Suspected bird flu case detected in SA but yet to be confirmed as H5

South Australia is conducting further testing after a second suspected case of H5 bird flu was detected in a migratory seabird. Authorities are awaiting results from the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, which are expected within 24 to 48 hours, to confirm if the detected virus is the H5 strain.

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We're confident we're dealing with an infection of bird flu, we just don't know if it's the H5 bird flu that we're really concerned about.

The suspected case involves a giant petrel found at Hardwicke Bay on the Yorke Peninsula. Samples tested at a state laboratory revealed a low viral load, prompting the need for more comprehensive analysis. The bird was reported by a member of the public on Friday and was euthanized after assessment by state officials.

Chief veterinary officer Skye Fruean stated that while an infection is likely, the specific H5 strain, which is of significant concern, has not yet been confirmed. The state currently has one confirmed case of H5 bird flu, identified on June 24 in another giant petrel at Knights Beach. Officials have emphasized that the disease has not spread to commercial poultry flocks or other captive birds in the region.

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It's come into the lab over the weekend and had some testing initially done. We've had to do additional testing because of that low viral load and now we've got the suspicion through those initial results from our own state lab.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven noted that while only one case is confirmed, authorities have received approximately 1,200 reports of sick birds, all of which are being triaged. The latest potential detection is being treated as an isolated incident, with no other sick birds identified in the vicinity.

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We were concerned enough to send someone out to have a look so we had some staff go out and have a look. They assessed the bird and it was sick. It was euthanised and sent to the lab.