Mass die-off of terns on Baudin Rocks prompts H5 bird flu testing

State officials discovered a large number of greater crested terns dead or showing signs of illness on Baudin Rocks, an island situated about five kilometres south of Cape Jaffa. The count reached 49 deceased and 35 sick birds, prompting the launch of H5 avian influenza testing at a laboratory in Adelaide. Skye Fruean, South Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, cautioned that the high density of affected terns makes a negative result unlikely.

This event follows the recent confirmation of twenty additional H5 cases, bringing South Australia's total to 39. While the birds are not yet classified as suspected cases, the testing will clarify the situation. The outcome will guide any necessary biosecurity measures to protect wildlife and poultry in the region.