Another long-nosed fur seal has tested positive for H5 bird flu in South Australia, as authorities investigate 10 new suspected events across the state.
The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed the fur seal from The Pages Conservation Park near Kangaroo Island returned a positive result, bringing the total number of confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia to 195.
It comes just two days after a long-nosed fur seal found at Beachport became the first mammal in Australia confirmed to have H5 bird flu.
A further 10 suspected events have been detected since Monday’s update, taking the number currently awaiting confirmation to 36.
The new suspected detections involve several species and locations, including a magpie at Robe on the Limestone Coast.
Greater crested terns are also being investigated at Bellevue Heights, Maslin Beach, Port Willunga, Port Adelaide and West Lakes Shore, while a fluttering shearwater has been detected at Semaphore.
On Kangaroo Island, samples have been taken from a silver gull, Pacific gull and little penguin at The Pages.
All samples have been sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing, with results expected in the coming days.
The latest figures show 1,880 tests have been conducted since January 1, while 696 reports have been made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline since June 20.
South Australia recently changed the way H5 bird flu figures are reported to align with national protocols. Authorities now report “events” rather than individual animal detections, meaning one event may involve one or several animals.
Importantly, H5 bird flu has not been detected in poultry or other livestock in South Australia, and authorities continue to advise that the risk to human health remains low.
South Australians are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid touching sick or dead birds or other wildlife.
Anyone who spots sick or dead wildlife should record what they see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The State Government is continuing surveillance and preparedness work with primary industries, wildlife organisations and communities across South Australia.
A community information forum will also be held at Port MacDonnell on Thursday, August 27.
For current H5 bird flu information, confirmed event locations and reporting advice, visit the South Australian bird flu website.
