H5 bird flu testing update 10 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 11 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

The new confirmed cases are all in wild seabirds, including a cormorant at Carpenter Rocks on the Limestone Coast, 3 greater crested terns on the Limestone Coast (1 at Port MacDonnell, and 2 at Beachport), 5 greater crested terns on Kangaroo Island (3 at D’Estrees Bay and 2 at Seal Bay), a greater crested tern at Port Vincent on the Yorke Peninsula, and a silver gull at Glenelg, Adelaide.

All were previously reported as suspect detections and have now returned positive results for H5 bird flu following testing at the ACDP in Geelong, Victoria.

There have now been 163 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

An additional 35 suspect cases of H5 bird flu in South Australia have been detected since the last update, including:

• 31 greater crested terns
  • Limestone Coast – Port MacDonnell [19], Robe [2], Beachport [1], Millicent [1] and Mount Gambier [1] nd Carpenter Rocks [6]
  • Adelaide – Port Noarlunga [1]
• 3 silver gulls
  • Limestone Coast – Robe [2], and Port MacDonnell [1]
• 1 pacific gull
  • Limestone Coast – Cape Douglas.

The samples have been sent to ACDP 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.

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 more information on the bird flu response and upcoming community forum at Berri (Tuesday, 11 August), including how to register, go to 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 67 888.

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

Photo: John Robert McPherson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons