H5N1 Bird flu fears grow after 1000+ mass crested tern deaths in South Australia, 28 dead penguins in Tasmania
One Aussie state has recorded a ‘significant escalation’ in Australia’s bird flu epidemic - after more than 1000 birds were found dead in three separate mass death events.
South Australia has recorded a major new escalation in the bird flu outbreak, with authorities identifying three mass bird deaths involving more than 1000 crested terns on remote islands.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told parliament on Thursday the three mass mortality events were detected on Wednesday on remote offshore islands, including Troubridge Island off Yorke Peninsula and North Page and South Page islands off Kangaroo Island.
The Premier described the deaths as a “significant escalation” of bird flu in the state.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The loss of more than 1000 birds is deeply concerning, and the state government is treating these events with the utmost seriousness,” Mr Malinauskas said.
He also revealed authorities were investigating a suspected case involving a little penguin from Kangaroo Island, which he described as “of particular concern”.
As of Thursday, South Australia had recorded 177 confirmed H5 bird flu cases.
Mr Malinauskas said the detections were made through the state government’s surveillance plan, which includes aerial patrols using helicopters, planes and drones backed by field crews.
He urged South Australians to remain vigilant and report sick or dead birds and other wildlife.
“The risk to human health from H5 bird flu remains low,” he said.
Mr Malinauskas also said that no mass mortality event had been reported in mammals, and H5 bird flu had not been detected in poultry or livestock.
The South Australian government is also considering targeted vaccinations for the most threatened native birds where it is safe, feasible and likely to provide a conservation benefit, although broadscale vaccination of wild birds is not being considered.
In Tasmania, authorities are testing 28 dead little penguins and three crested terns found at the Port of Grassy on King Island to determine whether H5 bird flu is to blame. Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Thursday confirmed 28 little penguins had been found dead at the Port of Grassy on King Island, along with three crested terns.
In a social media post, Mr Rockliff said specialist teams had been deployed to investigate.
“Testing is ongoing to confirm whether the penguins and other birds found on the site have H5 bird flu,” he wrote.
“While the testing happens, further teams are being surged to the area.”
“They will greatly increase the surveillance and collection capacity on the ground.”
The Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed samples had been collected and sent to the Animal Health Laboratory for testing.
“The bird carcasses will be collected to minimise any potential for disease spread, noting it is not yet known if these birds died from H5 bird flu,” the department said.
Tasmania had previously recorded 11 bird flu cases in wild birds.
Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins warned the outbreak was likely to worsen in the months ahead.
“We’ve done everything we can, but we cannot stop a very virulent, very contagious disease in this bird flu,” she said.
“It is not possible to avoid significant losses, which is what we’re starting to see now.”
“We would do everything we could do to help protect Australian wildlife wherever possible.”
