South Australia Detects 2 Suspected H5 Cases in Terns as Adelaide Beach Faces First Metro Scare
Updated
Updated · ABC News · Jul 25
South Australia Detects 2 Suspected H5 Cases in Terns as Adelaide Beach Faces First Metro Scare
3 articles · Updated · ABC News · Jul 25
Summary
Two dead greater crested terns found near Robe and at Semaphore have become South Australia’s latest suspected H5 bird flu cases, with Semaphore potentially the state’s first metropolitan detection if confirmed.
Samples from both birds have been sent to the CSIRO’s disease preparedness centre in Geelong, with results expected early next week, though officials said the carcasses may yield degraded samples.
Emily Bourke said the Robe bird was found 4 kilometres from the site of South Australia’s first confirmed H5 seabird case, and the new suspects are notable because they involve local species rather than migratory birds.
Julie Collins said Australia still has no evidence of H5 transmission within the country, no poultry outbreaks, no mass bird deaths and a low risk to human health.
South Australia has 5 of Australia’s 18 confirmed cases so far, and officials said public reporting has been central to detection, with about 8,000 hotline and website reports logged nationally.