Authorities Urge Vigilance As H5 Bird Flu Threat Continues

Authorities across Australia are urging producers and the public to remain alert as the situation regarding the H5 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza continues to develop.

South Australia this week confirmed its first case of the virus in a Southern Giant Petrel found on the Fleurieu Peninsula, following earlier detections in wild birds in Western Australia.

Victoria and New South Wales remain free of H5 bird flu but have significantly increased surveillance and preparedness measures in response to the threat.

New South Wales has trained more than 380 additional staff and established a dedicated coordination centre, while South Australia says more than six million dollars has been invested in response capability, equipment and workforce training since 2022.

Importantly, there have been no detections in poultry anywhere in Australia and health authorities say the risk to human health remains low.

Producers and members of the public are being reminded not to touch sick or dead birds and to report unusual illness or deaths immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.