South Australians with a keen eye for birdlife are being invited to Glenelg on Monday to learn how they can help protect native wildlife as the state’s bird flu response ramps up. It follows today’s announcement of two new suspected cases of H5 bird flu in South Australia.
Both are greater crested terns, one found near the Surf Life Saving Club at Semaphore and the other found at Robe.
Both have been sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong for further testing.
A free face-to-face training session will be held at the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club on Monday, July 27 from 4:30pm, followed by a Bird Flu Community Forum from 6pm to 7:30pm. The events are open to anyone interested in learning more about H5 bird flu and how community members can safely contribute to monitoring efforts.
The sessions come as South Australia’s newly established Bird Observers Network gets underway, with more than 60 volunteers already completing training after the first session attracted over 70 participants.
The initiative has been developed through a partnership between the State Government, Conservation Council SA, Birds SA and BirdLife Australia. Volunteers receive specialised training to recognise birds that may be showing signs associated with H5 bird flu, while learning how to safely record and report observations.
So far, the network has attracted volunteers from metropolitan Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the Limestone Coast, and organisers are hoping even more people will get involved.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Emily Bourke said the response from South Australia’s birdwatching community had been encouraging.
“The first members of South Australia’s new Bird Observers Network are now out on the ground, armed with the latest information on the bird flu response and their existing expertise of local birdlife. That’s a powerful combination of knowledge,” she said.
“It is fantastic to see strong interest in our Bird Observers Network initiative, and I thank those volunteers who have answered the call to play an active role in our response.”
Conservation Council SA CEO Kirsty Bevan said every volunteer could make a difference.
“We’re delighted by the strong response so far from volunteers across the state, whose willingness to contribute their time and knowledge reflects the deep care South Australians have for our unique birdlife and natural environment,” she said.
“Every observation reported through the network can contribute valuable information to support an effective statewide response.”
BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said South Australia’s birdwatching community was uniquely placed to support monitoring efforts.
“We’re so fortunate to have a dedicated bird-watching community who can bring valuable local knowledge and skills to the national bird flu monitoring effort,” she said.
The training follows the recent launch of the State Government’s dedicated bird flu website, bringing together updates, advice and resources for the community, wildlife carers, veterinarians and primary producers.
South Australia has recorded five confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds, including one greater crested tern and four migratory giant petrels. Authorities continue to remind the public not to touch sick or dead birds, but instead to avoid contact, record what they see and report it.
The State Government has also launched birdflu.sa.gov.au, a dedicated website bringing together the latest H5 bird flu updates, advice and resources for the wider community, primary producers, veterinarians and wildlife carers.
The website works alongside the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, giving South Australians access to reliable information and a direct way to report concerns.
Anyone interested in joining the Bird Observers Network can attend the Glenelg training session or contact [email protected] for more information.
