South Australia’s first case of the H5 bird flu has been reported to have come from Port Elliot.
Authorities confirmed that a Southern Giant Petrel, which was found by a wildlife welfare organisation at Knights Beach on June 14, tested positive to the H5 strain.
Government agencies became aware of the bird after a social media post from the organisation on June 19 and subsequently ordered testing.
A second Southern Giant Petrel which also was taken in for its ill-health tested negative.
The State Government says that the detection is being treated as an isolated case, as the bird is migratory.
Via a statement, Premier Peter Maliausakas called for calm.
“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.”
“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 public are being asked to avoid, record and report any dead or sick birds or other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
