Bird flu detections confirmed in wild seabirds

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed positive detections of H5 bird flu in seven Australian seabirds found on the Limestone Coast.

All are greater crested terns, with one found at Cape Jaffa, one at Port MacDonnell, and five around Southend Jetty, near Beachport. Of the five birds collected from Southend Jetty, four were sick and one was deceased. Both other birds were found deceased.

The seven birds were reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline before they were collected and sampled by PIRSA. The samples returned suspected detections Monday and have now been confirmed by the CSIRO’s ACDP in Geelong following confirmatory testing.

Genetic sequencing is being finalised to determine whether local transmission is now occurring in Australia.

The number of confirmed H5 bird flu cases in South Australia is now 14.

Importantly, there continues to be no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry, captive birds, or pets and other wildlife or livestock. Poultry meat and eggs remain safe to consume.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development has today met with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (PIRSA) and poultry industry representatives to see first-hand some of the technology that would be deployed in the event of potential detections or outbreaks in poultry.

The South Australian Government is continuing to respond to the latest increase in positive detections among wild Australian seabirds through targeted surveillance of areas frequented by greater crested terns.

Encouragingly, the South Australian public remains vigilant in reporting sick or dead birds and other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888). There have now been more than 2,700 reports to the hotline since 20 June. Since 1 January 2026, more than 1,170 samples from birds have been tested in SA.

Engagement with primary industries, the wildlife sector, and broader South Australian community continues as part of the Malinauskas Government’s commitment to deliver the most comprehensive and effective wildlife and industry surveillance, reporting and preparedness efforts possible.

Community forums are being held as part of broader public engagement about the virus, offering South Australians the chance to hear directly from experts and Government ministers on what is being done to respond and prepare for further H5 bird flu detections.

Forums have previously been held at Glenelg, Goolwa, Kangaroo Island and Yorketown, and further forums will be held through August at Parham on the east coast of Gulf St Vincent, Berri in the Riverland, and at Robe.

Further information about these and other future community forums will be announced via 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.