Breaking: H5 bird flu testing underway for mass mortality of terns on SA island
Authorities have begun testing for H5 bird flu after a mass die-off of terns on an island off South Australia. Results are expected within the coming days.
State authorities began testing for H5 bird flu after a large number of terns were found dead within a short period on an island off the coast of South Australia. Officials sent samples to a laboratory to determine whether the deaths stem from a highly pathogenic outbreak.
Regional environmental agencies temporarily restricted access to the island and warned the public not to touch dead birds. Wildlife experts said avian influenza can spread rapidly through seabird colonies once introduced.
Officials expect test results within the coming days. Depending on the outcome, monitoring of other bird colonies in the region is being planned.
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