H5 bird flu testing update 22 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed 1 new H5 bird flu event in South Australia since yesterday’s update.

The new event involves:

• Greater crested tern
  • Adelaide – Marino

There have now been 183 confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia.

In line with national protocols, the South Australian Government recently 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 number of positive events captures all previously reported individual confirmed detections.

An interactive map is available on the H5 bird flu website with up-to-date information on event locations – see Current situation.

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 26. These include:

• Greater crested terns
  • Adelaide – Prospect
  • Fleurieu Peninsula – Hindmarsh Island
• White-fronted tern
  • Kangaroo Island – Flinders Chase
• Pacific gull
  • Eyre Peninsula – Troubridge Island
• Silver gull
  • Adelaide – Outer Harbour

The samples from new suspect events 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 (Monday 24 August) and Port MacDonnell (Thursday 27 August), visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.