South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has declared a "significant escalation" in H5 bird flu within the state, following the discovery of over 1,000 dead greater crested terns. These birds were found across Troubridge Island and the Pages Islands, all offshore locations where H5 bird flu has been detected recently.
Malinauskas stated that the cause of these deaths is presumed to be H5 bird flu. This represents the largest detected mass casualty event from suspected H5 bird flu since the strain reached the Australian mainland in June.
Separately, the Tasmanian government is investigating 28 little penguin deaths on King Island, with testing underway to determine if H5 bird flu is the cause. Samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing, with results expected "during the week".
Authorities in South Australia are also investigating a suspected case in a little penguin found on Kangaroo Island. Malinauskas confirmed that no mass mortality events involving mammals, poultry, or livestock have been detected so far.