According to Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, South Australia is experiencing likely local transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza strain after officials reported 11 new suspected cases in greater crested terns.
Local Transmission Likely in South Australian Seabirds
South Australian authorities said it is very likely that the virus is actively circulating among local wildlife populations. According to Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, all 11 newly suspected cases were detected in greater crested terns. Seven of the infected birds were found in the state’s southeast region, while another four were discovered on Kangaroo Island, located approximately 120 kilometers off the coast of Adelaide.
This latest batch of infections follows a prior announcement on Monday when South Australia reported seven additional cases in greater crested terns within the state’s southeast. With these recent additions, the state total has climbed to 25 cases, contributing to a broader national tally of 38 detections since the deadly strain first arrived on the Australian mainland in June.
Did you know?
H5N1 avian influenza has caused the deaths of millions of poultry worldwide and has successfully infected more than 100 mammalian species globally, according to regional authorities.
Public Health and Agricultural Response Measures
Despite the sharp rise in wildlife detections, Minister Scriven emphasized that the H5N1 strain has not yet been detected in commercial poultry anywhere in Australia. Authorities are maintaining strict biosecurity surveillance to protect the country’s agricultural sector from widespread outbreaks seen in other parts of the world.
“This is concerning but not unexpected,” Scriven told reporters, noting that local transmission was anticipated once the virus reached the country. “What we’ve seen around the world is we can’t stop H5 bird flu, and there has, of course, in every other continent around the world, been local transmission.”
Protective Closures on Kangaroo Island
Beach tours at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island will be temporarily suspended to protect the resident seal population.
Biosecurity Advisory:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many H5N1 cases have been reported in South Australia?
According to Minister Clare Scriven, South Australia has recorded 25 suspected and confirmed cases of H5N1 avian influenza since the strain was first detected on the Australian mainland in June.
Has the virus spread to commercial poultry farms?
No. As of the latest updates from state authorities, the H5N1 avian influenza strain has not been detected in any commercial poultry operations across Australia.
Which animal species are currently affected in Australia?
Recent local detections have primarily affected greater crested terns, with clusters identified in the state’s southeast and on Kangaroo Island.