Seven New Suspected H5N1 Bird Flu Cases Reported in South Australia

Authorities in South Australia reported seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain on Monday. South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven told reporters the suspected cases were found in crested terns in the Limestone Coast region, in the state’s south-east. Of the suspected cases, Scriven said five were found in the same town within two days. Samples from all seven birds were initially tested by local authorities and have now been sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing to determine if local transmission has occurred. If confirmed, the total number of H5N1 cases in Australia will rise to 27, after the highly pathogenic strain was first detected on the Australian mainland in mid-June. South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Skye Fruean, who accompanied Scriven, said authorities would increase surveillance in areas where high-risk seabird species, including crested terns, are expected to be found. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said there had been no mass mortality event from the virus in Australia and no evidence of the strain in poultry or farming systems. She said the risk to human health remains low.