84 Greater Crested Terns Found Dead or Sick in South Australia

Dragon Media News Desk

Authorities in the Australian state of South Australia have launched an investigation after more than 80 greater crested terns were found dead or sick on an island off the state’s southeast coast.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, laboratory testing is underway to determine whether the birds were infected with the H5 strain of avian influenza.

State aerial surveillance conducted on Friday detected 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns on Baudin Rocks, about five kilometres south of Cape Jaffa.

South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean said laboratory results were still pending, but it was very unlikely that the birds would test negative for H5.

Official updates show that South Australia has recorded 39 of Australia’s 53 confirmed H5 avian influenza cases.

Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said the incident was being closely monitored, while the immediate risk to agriculture and human health remained low.

Authorities are continuing surveillance and sample collection in the affected area. Further details on the cause of the mass bird mortality event are expected after laboratory results are confirmed.