Authorities are stepping up bird flu surveillance across South Australia, including around the Fleurieu Peninsula and Coorong, as part of preparations to protect wildlife, livestock and agricultural industries.
There are currently no confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in South Australia, but the state government says monitoring has increased following the discovery of the virus in two vagrant migratory seabirds in Western Australia.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) and the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) are carrying out surveillance activities, including ground-based monitoring and drone surveys at wildlife sites.
Response planning is underway for key environmental areas including Coorong National Park, with authorities also working to strengthen protection for threatened and migratory bird species.
Preparedness activities across the state include habitat restoration and feral bird control on offshore islands of the Fleurieu Peninsula, along with predator control and other measures to protect important breeding and nesting sites.
The state government says it has invested in emergency animal disease preparedness, including improved surveillance, diagnostic capability, response equipment and training.
Authorities are also working with poultry and livestock industries to ensure producers understand reporting requirements and are prepared to respond if the virus is detected.
Residents are being urged not to touch sick or dead birds or wildlife. Signs of possible bird flu can include multiple dead birds in one location, weakness, inability to stand or fly, unusual behaviour, swelling, discolouration or breathing difficulties.
Any suspected cases should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
