SOUTH AUSTRALIA READY FOR POTENTIAL H5 BIRD FLU RESPONSE

The Malinauskas Government says South Australia stands ready to respond to any potential H5 bird flu outbreak, backed by an arsenal of specialised resources including a mobile diagnostic laboratory, rapid response units and decontamination facilities. IMAGE: PIRSA

The South Australian Government says the state is ready to respond to any potential H5 bird flu outbreak, with specialist response capabilities in place across the state.

These resources include a mobile diagnostic laboratory for rapid testing, rapid response teams for sampling and decontamination work, and portable decontamination units able to be deployed to affected sites.

To date, there has only been one detection of H5 bird flu in South Australia, confirmed in a migratory bird via testing last week. Importantly, there have been no cases found in commercial poultry, captive birds or other wildlife, and no evidence the virus has become established in Australia.

More than 780 bird samples have been tested since January as part of ongoing surveillance efforts, supported by $8.1 million in state and federal funding to strengthen preparedness and response capacity.

A further $3.3 million has been allocated to environmental and wildlife programs, including habitat protection and feral animal control across key conservation areas.

The public is being urged to report any sick or dead birds, and not to handle them. Reports can be made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.