A third confirmed case of the deadly H5 bird flu has been detected in a migratory bird on Australia’s southern coast, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced that the avian influenza was found in a giant petrel at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula, also referred to as Port Elliot. Two sick birds were originally taken in by a local wildlife rescue group on June 14. Authorities were alerted on June 19, prompting active testing that confirmed one bird was negative and the giant petrel was positive for the virus.
South Australia Confirms Third H5 Bird Flu Case in Migratory Petrel
Premier Malinauskas stated there was no reason for concern or alarm, emphasizing that the migratory bird arrived from the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic region rather than spreading from Western Australia or other parts of South Australia. Volunteers who handled the birds will receive anti-viral medication if necessary. Two additional seabirds found near Fowlers Bay on the Eyre Peninsula tested negative for the virus.
Investigation Into Separate Western Australia Detections
The new South Australian finding follows two earlier confirmed cases near Esperance in Western Australia involving a brown skua and a northern giant petrel. Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson said investigators are actively probing potential links between the cases. Early advice from the Australian Center for Disease Preparedness indicates the Western Australia birds were likely separate introductions, showing no indication of spread between those locations.
Meanwhile, Western Australian authorities reported that an additional bird found near Dunsborough tested positive for the virus and requires confirmation from the CSIRO. Western Australia Health Minister Meredith Hammat noted that 24 samples had been taken as of Tuesday, with eight returning negative results. Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis stated that samples from a dead porpoise found washed ashore in the Esperance region were also being collected for bird flu testing.
Government Response and Agricultural Impact
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that the government’s response remains swift and coordinated under enacted biosecurity response arrangements. She confirmed there is currently no evidence of mass mortalities, no evidence of infection in poultry or the agricultural production system, and a continued low risk to human health.
Papua New Guinea had previously suspended meat and poultry product imports from Australia following the initial detections. Federal officials confirmed that the ban has since been lifted with some exceptions, and discussions remain ongoing between the governments.
Public Safety and Reporting Guidelines
Health and agricultural officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution around coastal wildlife as low-pressure systems are forecast to batter the coastline, potentially bringing more seabirds ashore. Citizens who encounter unwell or dead birdlife are advised to avoid touching the animals, record the location, and report observations to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
Authorities note that bird-to-mammal transmission typically occurs when animals consume or touch sick birds, contaminated droppings, or infected carcasses. Pet owners are advised to keep dogs and cats away from wild birds, while humans experiencing flu-like symptoms after potential exposure should contact a general practitioner.
