H5 bird flu testing update 4 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 23 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

These all involve greater crested terns from the Limestone Coast (Southend [5] and Robe [7]), and Kangaroo Island (Harriet River [1], Seal Bay [4], Vivonne Bay [5] and D’Estrees Bay [1]).

All were previously reported as suspect detections and have now returned the positive result for H5 bird flu following testing at the ACDP in Geelong, Victoria.

There have now been 81 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

Two suspect cases of H5 bird flu in South Australia have been detected since the last update, bringing the current number of suspect cases of H5 bird flu to 28 in South Australia. This includes a greater crested tern at Southend and another greater crested tern at Pelican Point.

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.

For more information on the bird flu response and upcoming community forums at Robe tonight (Tuesday 4 August) and Parham on Thursday 6 August, including how to register, go to birdflu.sa.gov.au.

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.

Image: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons