Image is a stock photo of a Southern Giant Petrel
South Australia has recorded its first confirmed case of H5 bird flu, after a migratory seabird found on the Fleurieu Peninsula tested positive.
The confirmed case was detected in a Southern Giant Petrel found at Knights Beach in Port Elliot on June 14. The bird was discovered in a debilitated condition by a wildlife welfare organisation and taken into care.
PIRSA contacted the organisation on Friday June 19 after learning of the case via social media, with samples taken immediately. Testing by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has now returned a positive detection.
The bird was found alongside another giant petrel, which tested negative.
This is the first time this strain has been detected in South Australia. Since January 1, 774 samples from birds have been tested across the state.
Testing of two seabirds found near Fowlers Bay on the Eyre Peninsula has also returned negative results.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the case was currently being treated as an isolated incident, with no detections in poultry anywhere in Australia at this time.
“I know this news will be concerning for many people, particularly our poultry producers, wildlife carers and communities across our State, but I want to reassure South Australians that we are well prepared and responding swiftly,” Premier Malinauskas said.
“Importantly, this detection is confined to a migratory wild bird. There have been no detections in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in South Australia at this stage.”
The Southern Giant Petrel is a migratory seabird that breeds in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands between October and March. During the southern winter, the birds migrate north and can travel significant distances, including to waters off South Australia.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the detection was disappointing but not unexpected.
“While it is disappointing to see that we have recorded our first case of H5 bird flu here in South Australia, it was always a matter of when not if this disease came to our shores as it is spread by migratory wild birds,” Minister Scriven said.
“H5 bird flu has had significant impacts overseas, causing significant poultry losses and has infected more than 560 wild bird species and more than 100 mammalian species.”
The State Government is urging the public not to touch sick or dead birds or other wildlife. Instead, people should take photos or video, record the location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Emily Bourke said wildlife carers and bird owners should take extra care with hygiene and biosecurity.
“Anyone who notices any sick or dead birds or other wildlife in parks, beaches or other public places should not touch them. Instead, take photos or a video, record your location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888,” Minister Bourke said.
“Even if you’re not sure, please call us.”
South Australia has been preparing for a potential H5 bird flu detection for several years, with the State Government investing $6.8 million since 2022 to strengthen emergency animal disease preparedness.
That investment has included a mobile diagnostic laboratory, decontamination units and other equipment to support rapid on-ground responses. More than 240 personnel have also undertaken training as part of the state’s workforce readiness.
The South Australian Government is continuing to work with agriculture, environment and health agencies at state and national level, with PIRSA leading the state’s H5 bird flu preparedness and response.
For more information on reporting animal disease go to, https://pir.sa.gov.au/animal-management/animal-health/reporting_animal_disease
