H5 bird flu testing update 7 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 32 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

The new confirmed cases are 25 greater crested terns on the Limestone Coast (12 at Port MacDonnell, 10 at Beachport, 1 at Robe, 1 at Carpenter Rocks, and 1 at Cape Jaffa), 3 silver gulls on the Limestone Coast at Southend, 3 greater crested terns at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, and 1 greater crested tern at Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

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 119 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

An additional 17 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 42 in South Australia. This includes:

• Limestone Coast (Robe – 1 silver gull and 1 greater crested tern, Beachport – 1 greater crested tern, Southend – 1 greater crested tern, Pelican Point – 1 greater crested tern, Carpenter Rocks – 5 greater crested terns)
• Fleurieu Peninsula (Normanville – 1 greater crested tern, Port Elliot – 1 silver gull)
• Kangaroo Island (Flinders Chase - 1 Pacific gull, Seal Bay - 3 greater crested terns, Penneshaw – 1 greater crested tern)

The samples have been sent to ACDP for confirmatory testing with results expected to be known in the coming days.

The location of a case listed yesterday as a confirmed detection in a greater crested tern at Port Vincent has been amended to Beachport. This has followed a regular review of test reporting data.

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 forum at Berri (Tuesday, 11 August), 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.