Canberra: South Australian authorities are investigating a mass bird mortality event after more than 80 greater crested terns were found dead or sick on Baudin Rocks, off the state’s southeast coast. Officials suspect the birds may have been infected with the H5 strain of avian influenza, with laboratory testing currently underway.
The incident has heightened concerns over the spread of bird flu in Australia, although authorities have stressed that the current risk to humans and the agricultural sector remains low.
More Than 80 Birds Found Dead or Sick
According to state authorities, aerial surveillance conducted on Friday identified 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns on Baudin Rocks, located about five kilometres south of Cape Jaffa.
South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean said it was “very unlikely” that the birds would test negative for H5 avian influenza, though official laboratory results are still awaited.
The state has recorded 39 of Australia’s 53 confirmed H5 bird flu cases, making it the country’s most affected region so far.
Experts Fear Spread to Endangered Sea Lions
Wildlife experts have warned that the virus could spread from infected seabirds to Australian sea lions, particularly at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, which is home to around five per cent of the world’s population of the endangered species.
Veterinarian Wayne Boardman from the University of Adelaide said past outbreaks in South America showed that sea lions and fur seals are highly vulnerable to the H5N1 virus.
The H5N1 outbreak in South America killed an estimated 30,000 sea lions in 2022, while thousands of elephant seal pups also died on Australia’s Heard Island between 2025 and 2026.
Authorities Step Up Containment Measures
To reduce the risk of transmission, the South Australian government has temporarily suspended beach tours at Seal Bay.
Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said there is currently no evidence of the virus spreading to poultry farms or agricultural systems, and the public health risk remains low.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said the government will continue working with scientists and wildlife experts to monitor the outbreak and prevent further spread.