The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed new positive test results for H5 bird flu in samples from 18 wild seabirds in South Australia, taking the state’s total number of infections to 58.
The confirmed cases are in a petrel in the Coorong, a silver gull from Glenelg, two greater crested terns at Troubridge Island, a silver gull at Southend, greater crested tern at Monarto, six greater crested terns on Pages Islands, and five greater crested terns and a silver gull at Baudin Rocks.
All were previously reported as suspect detections and have now returned the positive result for H5 bird flu following testing at the ACDP in Geelong, Victoria, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) confirmed in a statement.
“Further 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 49 in South Australia.”
These new suspected positive cases include:
- Port MacDonnell, Limestone Coast – 13 greater crested terns
- Port Vincent, Yorke Peninsula – 1 greater crested tern
- Robe, Limestone Coast – 8 greater crested terns
- Beachport, Limestone Coast – 3 greater crested terns
- Southend, Limestone Coast – 3 silver gulls
- Carpenter Rocks, Limestone Coast – 1 greater crested tern
- Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island – 1 greater crested tern
- Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island – 1 greater crested tern
- Pullen Island (near Port Elliot) – 1 greater crested tern
- Port Victoria, Yorke Peninsula – 1 greater crested tern
The samples have been sent to ACDP for confirmatory testing with results expected to be known in the coming days, the Department said.
“There remains no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low,” it stated.
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 675 888. For the latest updates, information and advice about H5 bird flu in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.
