H5 bird flu community forum at Port MacDonnell

The next community forum to provide the public with an update on bird flu and preparedness measures will be held at Port MacDonnell on Thursday 27 August.

Attendees will hear the latest information about the bird flu response in South Australia through expert presentations about the animal, human and environmental health considerations.

The forum, at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex from 6 pm to 7.30 pm, is one of a series being delivered by the State Government to enable communities to ask questions and better understand the current situation.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, will be joined by representatives of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Department for Environment and Water and SA Health to speak about bird flu, public health advice and safety.

The expert panel will also take questions from attendees. Registration is essential – for more information visit Community forums.

What you can do

The community is encouraged to report any dead or sick birds or wildlife showing signs of bird flu. Possible signs of bird flu in birds include:

• multiple sick or dead birds in one location
• weakness, inability to stand or fly
• neurological signs or abnormal behaviour
• swelling or discolouration of the head
• respiratory distress.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.

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 from anywhere in Australia.

For information on bird flu preparedness in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.