Additional suspected H5 bird flu cases in SA

South Australia has a further 11 suspected H5 bird flu cases, all in wild seabirds, following testing of samples in Adelaide.

The samples have been sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, Victoria, for confirmatory testing.

These cases are all in greater crested terns located in the state’s Limestone Coast and on Kangaroo Island:

• Beachport, Wattle Range Council (three birds found together)
• Cape Jaffa, Kingston District Council
• Southend, Southern Limestone Coast Council
• Port MacDonnell, Southern Limestone Coast Council (two birds located individually)
• D’Estrees Bay, Kangaroo Island Council (three birds found together)
• Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island Council

Seal Bay will remain open to visitors with guided tours from the boardwalk. Access to the beach, which has previously been offered as part of guided tours, has been temporarily paused to help protect the sea lion colony.

Visitors will still be able to experience the colony through an enhanced guided boardwalk experience, allowing people to view the sea lions while avoiding direct interaction with their environment.

The beach component of tours has been previously paused, such as during the recent harmful algal bloom event and during hot weather.

There remains no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock, nor evidence of mass mortalities in any animals anywhere in Australia.

The risk to human health of H5 bird flu is low.

Engagement with primary industries, the wildlife sector, and broader South Australian community continues as part of the South Australian Government’s commitment to deliver the most comprehensive and effective wildlife and industry surveillance, reporting and preparedness efforts possible.

For information about upcoming community forums, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.

South Australians are encouraged to continue being vigilant in reporting sick and dead birds and other wildlife.

Avoid touching sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For the latest updates, information and advice about H5 bird flu in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.