H5 bird flu testing update 6 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 6 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

The new confirmed cases are all greater crested terns, two from Port Vincent on the Yorke Peninsula, one from Pullen Island off the Fleurieu Peninsula, one each from Southend and Pelican Point on the Limestone Coast, and one from Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.

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

There have now been 87 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

An additional 23 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 57 in South Australia. This includes:

• Adelaide (Craigmore – 1 crested tern)
• Fleurieu Peninsula (Middleton – 1 crested tern)
• Limestone Coast (Robe – 3 crested terns, Eight Mile Creek – 1 crested tern, Port MacDonnell – 2 silver gulls and 4 crested terns, Cape Jaffa – 1 Pacific gull, Cape Douglas – 1 crested tern)
• Kangaroo Island (Haines – 3 crested terns and 1 Pacific gull, Seal Bay – 4 crested terns, and Vivonne Bay – 1 crested tern)

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 Parham tonight (Thursday, 6 August) and Berri (Tuesday, 11 Augist), including how to register, visit 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.

For the latest updates, information and advice about H5 bird flu in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.