H5 bird flu testing update 20 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed 7 new H5 bird flu events in South Australia since yesterday’s update.

The new events include:

• Greater crested terns
  • Adelaide – Flagstaff Hill, McLaren Vale, North Haven
  • Barossa – Tanunda
  • Eyre Peninsula – Lucky Bay
• Silver gull
  • Fleurieu Peninsula – Cape Jervis
• Australian raven
  • Limestone Coast – Port MacDonnell

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 has been launched on the H5 bird flu website for up-to-date information on event locations. It can be accessed here at current situation.

In addition, as part of regular proactive aerial surveillance, 3 mass mortalities of greater crested terns were observed on offshore islands near Kangaroo Island (North Pages Island and South Pages Island), and off Yorke Peninsula (Troubridge Island).

As these are known locations of H5 bird flu and previously impacted species, they are not classified as new events under the national reporting protocols.

A further 5 suspect H5 bird flu events in South Australia have been detected since the last update, bringing the current number of suspect events to 19. These include:

• Greater crested terns
  • Eyre Peninsula – Arno Bay
  • Limestone Coast – Avenue Range
  • Lower Lakes and Coorong – Clayton Bay
• Gannet
  • Limestone Coast – West Range
• Little penguin
  • Kangaroo Island – D'Estrees Bay

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