H5 bird flu testing update

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in a silver gull at Robe and 19 greater crested terns on the Limestone Coast and Kangaroo Island.

There have now been 39 confirmed positive H5 bird flu cases in South Australia.

The 19 confirmed cases in greater crested terns were announced last night by the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer.

These greater crested terns were found in:

• Beachport (3)
• Cape Jaffa (1)
• Southend (1)
• Port MacDonnell (2)
• Robe (7)
• Seal Bay (5).

One greater crested tern that returned a suspected positive result has returned a negative result in confirmatory testing by the ACDP.
A further 6 suspected H5 bird flu cases have been detected, all in wild seabirds, following testing of samples in Adelaide:

• 2 greater crested terns from Troubridge Island (off the east coast of the Yorke Peninsula)
• 1 greater crested tern from Monarto (Murray Bridge Council)
• 1 silver gull from Glenelg (Holdfast Bay Council)
• 1 silver gull from Robe (District Council of Robe)
• 1 silver gull from Southend (Wattle Range District Council).

The samples have been sent to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, Victoria, for confirmatory testing with results expected to be known in the coming days.

There remains no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low.

PIRSA is also investigating a report involving 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns found by aerial surveillance teams yesterday at an offshore location south of Cape Jaffa. Samples were collected and are now undergoing testing in Adelaide, with results to be known in coming days.

Engagement with primary industries, the wildlife sector, and the 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 events, see Community forums about bird flu.

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.