Arabic version: بدء فحوصات H5 بعد نفوق طيور خرشنة قرب كيب جافا

According to ABC News, South Australian authorities are testing dead and sick greater crested terns found on Baudin Rocks, about five kilometres south of Cape Jaffa, for H5 bird flu. Aerial surveillance on Friday detected 49 dead and 35 sick birds.

The state government said the birds were not yet considered suspected cases while testing was under way in Adelaide. Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean described the event as unusual and significant, saying it was very unlikely the tests would be negative for the H5 strain, though laboratory results were still required.

Dr Fruean said Baudin Rocks had been surveyed two weeks earlier, with no evidence then of sick or dead birds. The aerial surveillance team collected a small sample for testing and did not euthanise birds on the island.

CSIRO has confirmed 20 previously suspected H5 bird flu cases in South Australia, including a seagull at Robe, the first confirmed detection in that species in Australia. Australia has 53 confirmed cases, including 39 in South Australia. A further six suspected cases were detected, including three in seagulls and one greater crested tern from Monarto.

Authorities will continue aerial surveillance and monitor the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. Dr Fruean said testing could eventually cease in locations where bird flu was known to be established. Environment Minister Emily Bourke advised people to keep dogs on leads near wildlife and prevent cats from roaming, noting cats can get bird flu.