Confirmed positive bird flu case and further suspected detections

A giant petrel at Port Lincoln has returned a positive result for H5 bird flu following testing at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

There have now been 15 confirmed positive H5 bird flu cases in South Australia.

The petrel was sent to the ACDP in recent days after testing in Adelaide returned a positive result for Avian Influenza A. This is standard practice to determine if it contracted other diseases including H5 bird flu.

There are also 13 new suspected H5 bird flu cases in wild seabirds in South Australia following testing of samples in Adelaide.

Samples have been sent to the ACDP in Geelong for confirmatory testing.

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

• Robe, District Council of Robe (eight birds)
• Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island Council (five birds)

This follows 11 suspected H5 bird flu cases in wild seabirds reported yesterday (Wednesday, 29 July), which are currently with the ACDP for confirmatory testing.

Results for all 24 suspected bird flu cases in South Australia are expected to be known in the coming days.

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.