H5 bird flu testing update 18 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed a new H5 bird flu event in South Australia since yesterday’s update.

The new event is at Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula involving a Greater Crested Tern.

There are now 170 confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia.

In line with national protocols, the South Australian Government has changed how we report on H5 bird flu detections.

Reporting is now based on events, rather than individual bird detections, where an event may involve one or more birds. The new number of positive events captures all previously reported individual confirmed detections.

A new interactive map is now available on the H5 bird flu website for up-to-date information on event locations. It can be accessed at birdflu.sa.gov.au/current-situation/

A further suspect [1] H5 bird flu event in South Australia has been detected since the last update involving a Greater Crested Tern at Point Turton on the Yorke Peninsula bringing the current number of suspect events to 16.

The sample has 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. All H5 bird flu events recorded to date only involve wild birds.

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, including how to register for the next community forums at Golden Grove/Wynn Vale on Monday, 24 August and Port MacDonnell on Thursday, 27 August visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.