South Australia has unveiled a suite of specialised emergency response resources designed to contain any future outbreak of H5 bird flu, with mobile laboratories, rapid response vehicles and decontamination units now ready to deploy if needed.
The announcement follows the state’s first detection of the H5 strain in a wild migratory bird earlier this week. Authorities stress there have been no cases detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in South Australia, and the virus has not become established anywhere in Australia.
The SA Government says years of planning have placed South Australia in a strong position should an outbreak occur.
The response capability includes a mobile diagnostic laboratory for rapid on-site testing, rapid response units equipped for sampling and decontamination activities, and portable decontamination facilities to clean vehicles and equipment on infected properties.
Since 1 January this year, more than 780 bird samples have been tested across South Australia as surveillance efforts continue.
The preparedness measures form part of an $8.1 million investment by the State and Federal Governments into the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), boosting emergency response capability, surveillance, diagnostic services and workforce readiness.
An additional $3.5 million has also been invested in the Department for Environment and Water to strengthen wildlife protection and environmental preparedness.
The funding supports planning and response measures across key wildlife areas including Seal Bay Conservation Park, Coorong National Park, the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park and the Adelaide International Dolphin Sanctuary. It also funds habitat restoration, feral animal control and conservation work aimed at protecting vulnerable native species should bird flu spread to wildlife populations.
Federal funding has also been allocated through the Zoo and Aquarium Association to help protect threatened native species at Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said South Australians could have confidence in the state’s level of preparedness.
“South Australians can be confident that we are well prepared for the H5 bird flu and acting swiftly.”
“We’ve invested in resources like mobile testing facilities and decontamination units because in the event of an outbreak, it’s vitally important that we move quickly to test, manage, and contain.”
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said preparation remained the state’s best defence.
“We have been working hard to protect South Australia’s poultry and farming industries and prepare them for the arrival of H5 bird flu.”
“Having resources such as mobile laboratories, decontamination units and rapid response units ready to go if there’s an outbreak ensures we are not reacting late, but acting early.”
Authorities are asking South Australians to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead birds or wildlife showing signs of bird flu.
Possible warning signs include multiple sick or dead birds in one location, weakness, inability to stand or fly, unusual behaviour, swelling or discolouration, and respiratory distress.
Anyone who encounters sick or dead birds is urged not to touch them, avoid contact, record what they have seen and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more information visit birdflu.gov.au. For more information on bird flu preparedness in SA, visit pir.sa.gov.au/avian-influenza.
