Seven new suspected cases of H5 bird flu detected in South Australia
South Australian authorities have identified seven new suspected cases of H5 bird flu in greater crested terns. The birds are currently undergoing testing by the CSIRO to determine if local transmission has occurred, though officials emphasize that the risk to human health remains low.
Why it matters
Monitoring H5 strains is critical for preventing potential zoonotic outbreaks and protecting the agricultural and poultry sectors from economic disruption.
A flock of greater crested terns in South Australia's south east. ( Supplied: Heather Burdon )
Seven new suspected cases of H5 bird flu have been detected in South Australia.
The suspected cases were detected in greater crested terns in the state's South East.
The CSIRO is conducting sequencing testing to determine if there has been local transmission.
Link copied Share Share article South Australia has recorded seven new suspected cases of H5 bird flu, including five detections at the same site over two days.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the greater crested terns have been sent to CSIRO laboratory in Geelong to determine if there has been local transmission.
"We will provide an update as soon as I get those CSIRO lab tests back, they may take some time for the sequencing to be done," Ms Collins said.
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