South Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in Southern Giant Petrel as authorities address media

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas says the State has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu.

The case was detected in a Southern Giant Petrel that was found at the Fleurieu Peninsula, about 45 minutes south of Adelaide.

“The bird was found alongside another Southern Giant Petrel, which tested negative,” he wrote on X.

Mr Malinauskas conceded the confirmed case would cause “concern” in the community, but assured South Australians the governemnt and authorities were well prepared to act quickly.

“I know this news will be concerning for many people, particularly our poultry producers, wildlife carers and communities across our State, but I want to reassure South Australians that we are well prepared and responding quickly, the Premier added.

“Importantly, this detection is limited to a migratory bird that is not native to Australia. There have been no detections in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or other birds in South Australia at this stage.

“Our agencies are working closely with the Australian Government, industry and other organisations to manage the situation, and we will take whatever action is necessary to protect our poultry industry, wildlife and communities.”

The State’s first positive test result comes after WA’s third case of the highly infectious strain was confirmed on Wednesday.

WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed the result of preliminary testing of a migratory sea bird found in the Quindalup area of WA’s South West.

Ms Jarvis said the sample had been sent to the CSIRO’s Centre for Disease Preparedness in Victoria for confirmatory testing, with results expected over the next day or two.

“This is an individual migratory bird that is common to the sub-Antarctic region,” she said on Wednesday afternoon.

“Importantly, there have been no reports of large-scale mortalities, and no evidence that the virus has spread to native birds or wildlife.”