New confirmed bird flu cases raise fears for wildlife
Australian authorities have confirmed seven cases of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds across South Australia. While there is no evidence of spread to poultry or humans, officials are conducting genetic analysis to monitor the situation.
Why it matters
Early detection of avian influenza in wildlife is critical for preventing potential outbreaks in the agricultural poultry sector.
Greater crested terns have tested positive for the bird flu in various states. Photo: Andrew Stafford/AAP PHOTOS Further analysis will establish whether seven confirmed cases of bird flu in wild seabirds were locally transmitted, authorities have announced.
All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other regional websites in your area Continue Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said on Tuesday that testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness had confirmed H5 bird flu in seven greater crested terns found in South Australia's southeast.
One was found at Cape Jaffa, one at Port MacDonnell, and five around Southend Jetty, near Beachport.
SA Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said analysis was continuing on the genetic makeup of the virus ''to understand exactly how related they are to other detections overseas as well as within Australia''.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in