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NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

H7N8 emergency response - Hawkesbury

Emergency Response finalised in Hawkesbury

Current situation

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has now finalised its response to high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) following detection at two commercial and four non – commercial premises located in the Hawkesbury Region in June 2024.

Importantly, the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8 strain detected in NSW is not the same as the H5N1 strain that is causing concern globally and is not connected to the Victorian outbreak. Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain of HPAI.

DPIRD has completed the steps required to finalise the resolution plan, including negative results from sentinel chickens to give proof of freedom.

Emergency zones in the Hawkesbury region have now been lifted in all previously impacted areas.

See Biosecurity (Avian Influenza) Revocation Order for more information.

DPIRD thanks all the businesses and bird owners in the Hawkesbury region who have worked so closely with us to achieve this positive outcome.

Support services

Emergency responses can be stressful and may impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. This can include feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and unease, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself.

In tough times we need to remember to look after ourselves. As much as possible, maintaining routines with good diet, exercise, and sleep will help, as will reaching out to family and friends.

There are several support services available to help you and your family with the emotional or physical reactions you may be experiencing.

Help in an emergency or mental health crisis:

  • Emergency Services: Triple Zero (000) or visit your local emergency department
  • Lifeline: 131114
  • Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
  • Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
  • Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
  • Mensline: 1300 789 978

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program

For information about rural health and wellbeing and mental health resources visit RAMHP.

Rural Aid - 1300 175 594

Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling to farmers and their family. They conduct counselling at the place that best suits, on farm, in town or over the phone. Rural Aid counsellors are professionally trained to help support people navigate all kinds of life challenges but come with an understanding of the unique needs of rural people.

For potential financial assistance

Rural Financial Counselling Service

Rural financial counsellors are in agricultural communities in 12 RFCS provider regions across Australia. If you are unsure which RFCS region you are in, you can call the RFCS Network’s national information line on 1300 771 741.