Two new bird flu cases suspected in SA, including first on a metro beach

South Australia is investigating two new suspected cases of H5 bird flu, including the first detected on a metropolitan beach near Adelaide. A greater crested tern found near the Semaphore boat ramp, north-west of the city, is undergoing testing, alongside another found near Robe on the Limestone Coast.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that results from the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong are expected early next week. "I do understand that these birds were deceased so they may be degraded samples but the CSIRO lab will do everything they can to check the sequencing," Collins said. Unlike previous confirmed cases involving migratory birds from the sub-Antarctic region, these two suspected cases involve local bird species.

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Unfortunately, we are finding that these two cases are in our local [bird] species, so we need to send these tests off now to Geelong for them to have confirmation at that centralised location that they are, or are not, the H5 high strand of this disease.

"Unfortunately, we are finding that these two cases are in our local [bird] species, so we need to send these tests off now to Geelong for them to have confirmation at that centralised location that they are, or are not, the H5 high strand of this disease," said Emily Bourke, a minister.

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I do understand that these birds were deceased so they may be degraded samples but the CSIRO lab will do everything they can to check the sequencing.

Authorities emphasize that the risk to human health remains low, with no evidence of transmission within Australia's poultry or agricultural systems. Nationally, there are 18 confirmed cases of bird flu in Australia, with five in South Australia. Queensland also confirmed its first case today after a dead petrel was found on Moreton Island.

Officials highlighted the public's crucial role in detection, as these latest suspected cases were reported by community members calling a hotline and reporting sightings. "These two tests have come about because community members called the hotline, did the things that we've been saying: avoid record and report," Bourke noted.

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These two tests have come about because community members called the hotline, did the things that we've been saying: avoid record and report.