Seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5 bird flu have emerged in South Australia, prompting warnings from experts that the disease may now be spreading through local wildlife populations. All seven birds, identified as greater crested terns, were discovered on the Limestone Coast in the south-east of the state, with findings reported at Cape Jaffa, near Southend Jetty, and Port MacDonald.
Kate Millar, chief executive of BirdLife Australia, stated that these discoveries signify the outbreak is "now taking hold and is evidence of spread." She drew a stark analogy, comparing the initially infected subantarctic birds to "embers" and the current cases in crested terns to "smoke," indicating a more widespread issue. This follows two confirmed cases in greater crested terns in South Australia over the recent weekend, including the first positive detection in metropolitan Adelaide.
If the seven suspected cases are verified by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the total number of H5 bird flu cases in South Australia would rise to 14, with 10 of these being in local greater crested terns. The affected birds from Southend Jetty included four that were sick and one found dead, while the birds at Cape Jaffa and Port MacDonnell were also deceased. Clare Scriven, South Australia's primary industries minister, expressed concern on Monday, though she highlighted that all detections so far have been in wild seabirds, with no presence in poultry or the broader agricultural industry, which is seen as encouraging.
Dr. Skye Fruean, the state's chief veterinary officer, indicated that it is too early to definitively confirm local bird-to-bird spread, but increased monitoring is being implemented, including targeted surveillance in areas frequented by greater crested terns. However, BirdLife Australia's Millar warned of heightened concern as the spring breeding season approaches. Many species will return to coastal breeding grounds, where large gatherings of birds could create an "engine room of viral spread," potentially leading to the disease moving into other habitats, particularly wetlands.
The federal agriculture minister, Julie Collins, confirmed that samples have been sent to the CSIRO laboratory to determine if local transmission is occurring. She reiterated that there are no mass mortalities at this time and no evidence of H5 bird flu in Australia's poultry or agricultural systems. Collins also stressed the low risk to human health. Carol Booth, policy director for the Invasive Species Council, cautioned that if the suspected cases represent local transmission, Australia would be entering a "very different phase of this outbreak," moving beyond isolated infected birds arriving on its shores to potential widespread viral circulation within the country.