H5 bird flu testing update 8 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 28 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

The new confirmed cases are all in wild seabirds, including 15 greater crested terns from the Limestone Coast (5 at Robe, 4 at Port MacDonnell, 2 at Beachport, 1 at Southend, 1 at Pelican Point, 1 at Cape Douglas, and 1 at Eight Mile Creek), 11 greater crested terns on Kangaroo Island (3 at Haines, 6 at Seal Bay, 1 at Penneshaw, and 1 at Vivonne Bay), and 2 silver gulls on the Limestone Coast (Port MacDonnell and Robe).

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 147 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

An additional 13 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 27 in South Australia. This includes:

• 9 greater crested terns
  • Adelaide – O’Sullivan Beach (1)
  • Mid Murray – Mannum (1)
  • Limestone Coast – Beachport (2), Tarpeena (2), and Port MacDonnell (1)
  • Kangaroo Island – D’Estrees Bay (2)
• 2 silver gulls
  • Adelaide – Glenelg
  • Kangaroo Island – Seal Bay
• 1 ibis
  • Adelaide – Wynn Vale
• 1 cormorant
  • Limestone Coast – Carpenter Rocks

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 67 888.

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

Photo: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons