H5 bird flu testing update 9 August

The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 5 wild seabirds since yesterday’s update.

All of the new confirmed cases are greater crested terns from Carpenter Rocks on the Limestone Coast.

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 152 confirmed positive H5 bird flu detections in South Australia.

An additional 5 suspect cases of H5 bird flu in South Australia have been detected since the last update, all in wild seabirds located on the Fleurieu Peninsula (silver gull at Hayborough and greater crested tern at Victor Harbor), Kangaroo Island (greater crested terns at Seal Bay and D’Estrees Bay), and the Yorke Peninsula (greater crested tern at Port Vincent), bringing the current number of suspect cases of H5 bird flu to 27 in South Australia.

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 forum at Berri (Tuesday, 11 August), including how to register, go to Community forums about bird flu.

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: mattf1996, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons