H5 bird flu testing underway for mass mortality of terns off Cape Jaffa
Australian authorities are testing a mass mortality event of greater crested terns for H5 bird flu after dozens of dead and sick birds were found on an island. Officials expect the results to be positive as the virus continues to spread among avian populations.
Why it matters
The rapid spread of H5 bird flu in wildlife poses potential risks to biodiversity and agricultural biosecurity.
A large group of dead and sick greater crested terns on a South Australian island are being tested for H5 bird flu. ( Matthew Fainman: iNaturalist/Creative Commons )
Testing for H5 bird flu is underway for a large group of dead and sick greater crested terns found on an island in South Australia's south-east coast.
There are now 53 confirmed cases in Australia, including one seagull at Robe, the first confirmed detection in the species in Australia.
SA authorities say they will continue aerial surveillance and monitor the hotline, but will eventually stop testing in places where bird flu is present.
Link copied Share Share article South Australian authorities are investigating a mass bird mortality event after more than 80 dead and sick birds were found off the state's south-east coast.
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