Lead

South Australia has recorded its first case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain, bringing Australia's confirmed cases to three, as authorities increase monitoring along the southern coast. The case was announced by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who said the virus was found in a Southern Giant Petrel at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Two other birds had previously tested positive near Esperance in Western Australia.

Coverage comparison

Reporting from ABC Australia and The Guardian — World consistently confirmed the third case in South Australia, attributed to a migratory seabird. Both outlets noted that Western Australia also had another suspected case, though details varied slightly. ABC Australia provided extensive coverage of the response, including statements from state and federal ministers, while The Guardian — World focused on the confirmation in two states and the broader implications.

A notable difference emerged in the count of confirmed or suspected cases. ABC Australia reported at various times a fifth confirmed or suspected case in Australia, and later mentioned eight confirmed cases of avian influenza. The Guardian — World reported that the new suspected case in Western Australia would bring the total to four. These discrepancies likely reflect the evolving situation as test results were updated.

Key claims

  • A third confirmed case of H5N1 bird flu was found in a migratory bird on Australia's southern coast, as announced by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. The bird, a Southern Giant Petrel, was found at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
  • Two birds were confirmed to have the disease near Esperance in Western Australia.
  • An additional suspected case was detected in Western Australia, with samples sent to the CSIRO for confirmation.
  • Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said she was in contact with her Western Australian and South Australian counterparts about managing the cases.
  • A volunteer-run wildlife organisation, Wildlife Welfare Organisation SA, rescued the infected bird and later said it did not expect to be "ground zero" for the first case in South Australia. The facility has been "locked down" for biosecurity reasons.
  • The South Australian government increased monitoring of the state's west coast, particularly between Ceduna and Western Australia, following the detections.

Perspectives

Wildlife rescue and care organisations:

Mish Simpson, founder of the Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue, called for support to set up a facility to treat and quarantine sick birds, saying her organisation was at a "standstill" without clear guidelines from government agencies. Justin Biddle of Wildlife Welfare Organisation SA said the facility had been under pressure from both an algal bloom and now avian influenza. Volunteer wildlife carers in Western Australia said they had been let down by the government, citing a lack of protective clothing and funds, with WA Seabird Rescue volunteer Rachel Olsen stating that rehabilitation hospitals were entirely funded through donations.

Government authorities:

Premier Peter Malinauskas encouraged the public to report unwell or dead birds through the hotline and said funding arrangements had been activated, including $8.1 million for the state's Department of Primary Industries and Regions. WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said there was no evidence of transmission to local wildlife, noting that only one of five petrels at Roses Beach returned a suspected positive result, and that the department would provide PPE to wildlife organisations on a risk assessment basis if the disease spreads.

Citizen scientists:

Citizen scientists Susan Belperio and Johanna Williams claimed they were given incorrect advice by the government's Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, which they said told them to collect a dead bird despite official advice to avoid contact. They raised concerns about the hotline's preparedness and the clarity of public messaging.