South Australia confirms H5 bird flu in a native seabird for the first time

South Australia has confirmed H5 bird flu in a native seabird for the first time, after a greater crested tern found dead at Robe Marina tested positive.

The result extends the state’s confirmed wild-bird detections beyond migratory seabirds and adds to concern about how far the virus may spread in local wildlife.

New native-bird case

Reporting says the Robe Marina bird is the first confirmed H5 detection in a native South Australian bird. The test was confirmed after analysis at PIRSA’s Glenside facility and the CSIRO lab in Geelong.

Two additional wild-bird detections were also reported in South Australia: giant petrels found dead at Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island and at Port Vincent on the Yorke Peninsula.

Earlier South Australia cases

South Australia first publicly confirmed H5 bird flu in a wild migratory seabird in June, when a southern giant petrel found near Knights Beach at Port Elliot tested positive.

That earlier case was reported on June 23 and 24, and officials have repeatedly said there has been no evidence so far of spread into commercial poultry or captive birds in the state.

Why Kangaroo Island matters

The Kangaroo Island detection is being watched closely because sea lion colonies there could be vulnerable if the virus moves further through local wildlife.

The broader Australian outbreak has raised concern for native species and marine mammals, especially where infected wild birds can carry the virus across coastal areas.

What happens next

Authorities are expected to keep watching for more dead or sick birds, and for any sign the virus has moved beyond wild birds.

Officials have urged the public not to touch sick or dead birds and to report them to authorities.