H5 bird flu testing update 13 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 29 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

The new confirmed cases are all in wild seabirds, including:

• 19 greater crested terns
  • Limestone Coast – Pelican Point [1], Robe [2], Cape Jaffa [1], Port MacDonnell [6], Carpenter Rocks [1]
  • Kangaroo Island – Seal Bay [6], D’Estrees Bay [1]
  • Metropolitan – O’Sullivan Beach [1]
• 10 silver gulls
  • Limestone Coast – Carpenter Rocks [3], Robe [1], Port MacDonnell [6]

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 241 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

An additional 27 suspect cases of H5 bird flu in South Australia have been detected since the last update, including:

• silver gulls
  • Limestone Coast – Carpenter Rocks [1], Port MacDonnell [1],
• greater crested terns
  • Limestone Coast – Port MacDonnell [10], Southend [2], Penola [1], Beachport [4], Pelican Point [1], Carpenter Rocks [2], Tarpeena [1],
  • Kangaroo Island – Emu Bay [4]

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.

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.