H5 bird flu testing update 2 August

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed a positive test result for H5 bird flu in a second silver gull at Robe.

There have now been 40 confirmed positive H5 bird flu cases in South Australia.

A further 29 samples have returned suspected positive results for H5 bird flu, all in wild seabirds, following testing in Adelaide:

• Coorong – 1 petrel
• Baudin Rocks – 5 greater crested terns, 1 seagull
• Pages Island – 6 greater crested terns
• Southend – 5 greater crested terns
• Harriet River (Kangaroo Island) – 1 greater crested tern
• Seal Bay (Kangaroo Island) – 3 greater crested terns
• Robe – 1 greater crested tern
• Vivonne Bay – 5 greater crested terns
• Shag Rock (Kangaroo Island) – 1 greater crested tern

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.

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.