South Australia’s confirmed H5 bird flu tally has risen to 58 after another 18 wild seabirds returned positive test results.
The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness confirmed the results today, after the birds had previously been reported as suspected detections.
The newly confirmed cases include a petrel in the Coorong, a silver gull from Glenelg, two greater crested terns at Troubridge Island, a silver gull at Southend and a greater crested tern at Monarto.
Positive results were also returned for six greater crested terns from the Pages Islands, as well as five greater crested terns and one silver gull from Baudin Rocks off Kangaroo Island.
Authorities are continuing to investigate another 49 suspected H5 bird flu cases across South Australia, with samples sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for confirmatory testing.
The latest suspected cases are concentrated heavily along the Limestone Coast, including 13 greater crested terns at Port MacDonnell, eight at Robe, three at Beachport and one at Carpenter Rocks.
Three silver gulls at Southend are also being tested.
Further suspected detections include greater crested terns at Seal Bay and Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island, Pullen Island near Port Elliot, Port Victoria and Port Vincent.
Results from these samples are expected in the coming days.
There have still been no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock in South Australia, while authorities maintain that the risk to human health remains low.
Since January 1, 2026, 1287 tests have been conducted as part of the state’s bird flu surveillance program. The Emergency Animal Disease Hotline has also received 337 reports since June 20.
The State Government said it would continue working with primary industries, wildlife organisations and communities to strengthen surveillance, reporting and preparedness measures.
Community information forums will be held in Robe on Tuesday, August 4, and Parham on Thursday, August 6.
South Australians are being urged to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead birds or other wildlife.
People should not touch or attempt to move affected wildlife. Instead, they should record the location and details of what they have seen and contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Further information is available through the South Australian Government’s bird flu website.
