Dead birds to be tested for H5N1 bird flu after washing up on SA coast

Two dead seabirds discovered on South Australia's Fowlers Bay Beach are undergoing testing for the H5N1 bird flu virus, a day after Australia's first confirmed cases of the deadly strain were identified in Western Australia. The birds, believed to be a white-headed petrel and another petrel species, were found washed ashore, with a pelican also discovered nearby.

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As a result of this detection [in Australia] there are a range of funding arrangements that kick in.

The discovery has prompted South Australian authorities to enhance monitoring along the state's west coast, particularly between Ceduna and the Western Australian border. Premier Peter Malinauskas stated that the presence of the H5 strain in Australia has triggered joint state and Commonwealth monitoring measures. The state's Department of Primary Industries and Regions will receive $8.1 million for monitoring and response readiness, with additional funding available if the virus is detected within South Australia.

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We don't know if those birds [carrying the H5 variant] transmitted it to other birds that might migrate to South Australia.

Malinauskas noted the proximity of the confirmed cases in Esperance, Western Australia, to South Australia, acknowledging the uncertainty of how the virus might spread to other migratory birds. "We don't know if those birds [carrying the H5 variant] transmitted it to other birds that might migrate to South Australia," he said. He contrasted the current situation with a past algal bloom, emphasizing that the risk of bird flu had been anticipated and planned for. BirdLife Australia confirmed the species are subantarctic birds, which are known to breed or inhabit waters north of the Antarctic circle. A local resident, Rod Keogh, reported the sighting, leading to swift collection of samples by rangers for analysis.

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This is something we've known is a risk and we've been able to account and plan for.