Breaking: Bird flu suspected after more than 1,000 birds found dead in three mass mortality events in SA

South Australia is grappling with a significant escalation of bird flu, as three mass mortality events have claimed the lives of over 1,000 crested terns. Premier Peter Malinauskas informed SA Parliament that these deaths occurred on remote offshore islands, including Troubridge Island and two small islands near Kangaroo Island. The state government's surveillance teams detected the mortalities on Wednesday.

This situation represents a "significant escalation" of bird flu in the state, according to Premier Malinauskas. He stated that the loss of more than 1,000 birds is "deeply concerning" and that the government is treating these events with the "utmost seriousness." Adding to the concern, authorities are also investigating a suspected case involving a little penguin from Kangaroo Island.

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The loss of more than 1,000 birds is deeply concerning, and the state government is treating these events with the utmost seriousness.

As of the latest reports, South Australia has recorded 177 confirmed H5 bird flu cases. While the focus is on these avian deaths, Premier Malinauskas emphasized that no mass mortality has been reported in mammals, and the H5N1 strain has not been detected in poultry or livestock. The discoveries were detailed in a ministerial statement made to parliament's lower house.

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Of particular concern, we are also investigating a suspected case involving a little penguin from Kangaroo Island.