Suspected bird flu detection at Robe

A silver gull (commonly referred to as a “seagull”) found at Robe has returned a suspect H5 bird flu detection following testing at PIRSA’s facility at Glenside.

The samples have been sent to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, Victoria, for confirmatory testing.

This result comes as the ACDP confirmed H5 bird flu in four greater crested terns reported as suspect on Wednesday, 29 July – three from D’Estrees Bay and one from Seal Bay.

There have now been 19 confirmed positive H5 bird flu cases in South Australia.

This takes the number of suspect H5 bird flu cases in South Australia to 21, with results from the ACDP expected to be known in the coming days.

There remains no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock, nor evidence of mass mortalities in any animals anywhere in Australia. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu is low.

Engagement with primary industries, the wildlife sector, and 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 information about upcoming community forums, 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.