The first detection of H5 bird flu in a native bird near Wentworth has put the virus firmly on the radar in western NSW, with surveillance continuing as authorities work to determine whether further cases are present.
Western Plains Invasive Species Council Chief Executive Jack Gough fears it could have disastrous consequences for the Macquarie Marshes near Warren.
“The latest H5 case has spread to Wentworth in the far west coming into the Murray Darling Basin from South Australia and there’s little doubt it will get to the marshes,” he said.
“Some birds will fly to the marshes from there and with the amount of feral animals it could have disastrous consequences…