More than 11,000 H5 bird flu reports assessed in SA as new community forum announced

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South Australians will have another opportunity to hear directly from experts about H5 bird flu, with a community forum announced for Willunga next month.

The forum will be held at the Willunga Football Clubrooms on Tuesday, October 6 from 6pm to 7.30pm, bringing together experts across animal, human and environmental health as the state’s response to the disease continues. 

The latest forum comes as the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) revealed that more than 11,480 reports in South Australia had been assessed and prioritised based on H5 bird flu risk since the first detection in Western Australia. 

Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Emily Bourke will attend alongside representatives from PIRSA, the Department for Environment and Water and SA Health.

Experts will provide the latest information on South Australia’s bird flu response, including public health advice and safety, before taking questions from attendees. Registration is essential. 

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Skye Fruean said the forums gave South Australians the opportunity to better understand the evolving situation and the role they can play.

“These forums are a good opportunity for the community to find out more about H5 bird flu and what they can do to help protect birdlife and other susceptible animals, including pets,” Dr Fruean said.

She said PIRSA had been encouraged by public awareness of the disease, particularly the number of reports being made through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. 

South Australians are being urged to continue reporting sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Signs to look out for in birds include multiple sick or dead birds in one location, weakness or an inability to stand or fly, abnormal behaviour or neurological symptoms, swelling or discolouration around the head and respiratory distress.

People who come across sick or dead wildlife should not touch it. Instead, they should avoid contact, record what they see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.