News and events

H5 bird flu detected in Australian seabird. A seabird found at Robe in the state’s South East has become the first Australian seabird to be detected with H5 bird flu, as extensive surveillance continues across SA. The bird – a greater crested

Native budworm moth activity – update to 30 June 2026. At this time of year, native budworm trap catches are best viewed as an early warning of moth movement rather than an immediate threat to crops. While flights this early in the season are less

Tiny pests, hidden damage: mealybugs in cereal. Although mealybugs are not a common or widespread cereal pest in South Australia, we have received several reports of mealybug activity in cereal crops from the Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and Murray

Recent rain has snails and slugs moving: what it means for your crop. After several relatively dry seasons, many growers have become adapted to seeing lower snail and slug activity. This year, however, has been different. Late summer and autumn

Largest aerial survey of coastline in decades as SA records second bird flu case. The largest aerial survey undertaken in more than four decades of South Australia’s coastline, islands and reefs has found no evidence of widespread impacts from H5

New information boards rolling out at SA boat ramps. Recreational boaters and fishers will soon notice a fresh look at selected South Australian boat ramps, with new information boards designed to make safety and environmental messaging clearer and

King George Whiting closure lifted for recreational fishers. Recreational fishers will be able to catch King George Whiting in all South Australian waters these school holidays following changes to the species' spatial closure period. The King

Bird flu community forum at Goolwa. The Malinauskas Government is hosting an H5 bird flu community forum at Goolwa on Monday 6 July to provide Fleurieu communities with the latest information on preparedness and response efforts. Experts will share

Avoid fruit fly fines during winter travel. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding South Australians to check fruit fly movement restrictions before travelling during the winter school holidays, with fines increasing

More protection for Giant Australian Cuttlefish. Giant Australian Cuttlefish will be better protected with a temporary restriction on recreational activities at their Upper Spencer Gulf breeding site from 1 July. The 90-day exclusion zone applies

Canine crackdown on giant pine scale. Sniffer dogs are being deployed across the North Eastern suburbs as part of a comprehensive giant pine scale surveillance program. While there continues to be no detections of the pest plant disease in SA

Bird flu rapid response ready. The Malinauskas Government stands ready to respond to any potential H5 bird flu outbreak, backed by an arsenal of specialised resources including a mobile diagnostic laboratory, rapid response units and decontamination