BIRD FLU DETECTED IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia has recorded its first confirmed case of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, marking the third detection of the virus in Australia.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the case alongside Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, confirming the virus was detected in a Southern Giant Petrel found at Knights Beach near Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The migratory seabird was discovered in a debilitated condition on June 14 and taken into care by a wildlife welfare organisation. Testing conducted by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness later returned a positive result.

Authorities say the case is being treated as an isolated incident, with no detections in poultry anywhere in South Australia or Australia. Two seabirds tested near Fowlers Bay on the Eyre Peninsula have also returned negative results.

Since January, more than 770 bird samples have been tested across the state as part of ongoing surveillance efforts.

The State Government is urging the public not to handle sick or dead birds and instead report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, as authorities continue monitoring for any further spread of the virus.