Bird flu community forum at Goolwa

The Malinauskas Government is hosting an H5 bird flu community forum at Goolwa on Monday 6 July to provide Fleurieu communities with the latest information on preparedness and response efforts.

Experts will share updates and insights on H5 bird flu, how it is being monitored and managed, and why it’s important for the public to Avoid, Record and Report any sick or dead wildlife.

The free forum – at Goolwa Centenary Hall from 6 pm to 7.30 pm on Monday 6 July – features presentations on bird flu, public health advice and safety, and an expert panel question and answer session.

Panel members include:

• Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Hon Clare Scriven MLC
• Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, the Hon Emily Bourke MLC
• Department of Primary Industries and Regions Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean
• Department for Environment and Water Bird Flu Preparedness Coordinator Dr Karl Hillyard
• SA Health Human Health Medical Lead Dr Louise Flood

The forum follows the state’s first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in a vagrant migratory bird found at Knights Beach, Port Elliot.

There have been no detections in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds and wildlife in SA, and the disease has not become established in Australia.

The forum is part of the Malinauskas Government’s ongoing commitment to keeping the community informed with accurate and timely information.

South Australia is well prepared to respond to any potential outbreak, supported by significant investments in surveillance, emergency response capabilities and workforce readiness.

Preparedness measures include a mobile diagnostic laboratory, rapid response units, portable decontamination facilities, extensive training exercises, strengthened wildlife surveillance programs and engagement with key industries – which is continuing.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.

For more information, visit birdflu.gov.au. For more information on bird flu preparedness in SA, see Avian influenza.

Registration for the community form is essential due to venue capacity – register at Humanitix.