A suspect case of H5 bird flu has been detected in a migratory seabird at Hardwicke Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, prompting further testing and continued surveillance efforts.
The giant petrel was reported through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline before it was collected and sampled by Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA). Initial testing returned a suspect detection, with samples now being examined by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for confirmation.
If confirmed, the case would become the second recorded instance of H5 bird flu in South Australia. Authorities said the virus has not been found in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or other birds across the state, and there is currently no evidence that it has become established in Australia.
The detection marks the first time this strain has been identified in South Australia. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 900 bird samples have been tested across the state as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.
South Australian authorities have been preparing for the possibility of H5 bird flu entering the state through migratory birds. The State and Federal Governments have committed $8.1 million to PIRSA to strengthen emergency response systems, surveillance programs, diagnostic capability and workforce preparedness.
Additional funding has also been provided to support wildlife protection and response activities, including $3.5 million for the Department for Environment and Water. Federal support has also been allocated to help protect threatened native species at Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the detection was an expected risk given the movement of migratory birds.
“It is disappointing that South Australia has a suspect case, however it was always a possibility through the pathway H5 bird flu has to our shores via wild migratory birds,” she said.
Scriven said community reports of sick or dead birds play an important role in helping authorities track possible cases.
“Every report is reviewed and if there is any suspicion of H5 bird flu we send teams out to collect the birds for testing,” she said.
PIRSA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Skye Fruean said the Hardwicke Bay case is currently considered isolated, with no other affected birds found in the area.
“While no one wanted to see more suspect cases here in South Australia, we have been preparing for this for a number of years,” she said.
Dr Fruean said surveillance remains central to identifying any further cases quickly and limiting potential spread.
Residents are being asked not to handle sick or dead birds or wildlife. Signs that may indicate bird flu include multiple sick or dead birds in one location, weakness, difficulty standing or flying, unusual behaviour, swelling, discolouration or breathing difficulties.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds or wildlife is encouraged to record the details and contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Further information is available through birdflu.gov.au and PIRSA’s bird flu preparedness resources.
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