The deadly H5 bird flu virus has been detected north of Coffs Harbour, bringing the disease significantly closer to the Northern Rivers.

The NSW Government confirmed on Friday that a Hutton’s shearwater found at Corindi had tested positive for H5 avian influenza.

It is the first confirmed detection of the virus in a shearwater in NSW and comes as authorities also confirmed new cases in greater crested terns at Port Kembla and Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

NSW has now recorded 20 H5 bird flu events, while 468 have been recorded across Australia as the virus continues to spread through wild bird populations.

The Corindi detection will be closely watched in the Northern Rivers, where wildlife organisations have been preparing for the possible arrival of the virus for months.

Ballina News Daily reported in June that Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue at Ballina had introduced strict biosecurity protocols, treating seabird rescues as a potential bird-flu risk.

Last month, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital founder Dr Stephen Van Mil said its mobile wildlife hospital Matilda was on standby for possible deployment as the national response escalated.

The NSW Government says there are currently no signs of mass bird deaths in the state and surveillance is continuing.

Authorities are urging people not to touch sick or dead birds and to keep backyard chickens and pet birds away from wild birds.

Dog owners are also being advised not to allow their animals to eat bird carcasses or chase wild birds on beaches and in parks.

Anyone who finds sick or dead birds or other animals should record the location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The NSW Government says the risk to human health remains low.

Photo: A Hutton’s shearwater. The first confirmed H5 bird flu detection in a shearwater in NSW has been recorded at Corindi. (Image: NSW Environment)