H5 bird flu and wildlife in South Australia

For the latest information about H5 bird flu, visit: birdflu.sa.gov.au

This page explains how the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is helping prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu risks to South Australia's wildlife and natural environments. It also provides information about reporting sick or dead wildlife and links to current advice for wildlife carers and bird keepers.

This page will help you:

report sick or dead wildlife
find information for wildlife carers and bird keepers
understand how DEW is protecting wildlife
learn how to support surveillance efforts by joining the Bird Observers Network
learn how South Australia is responding to H5 bird flu

Report sick or dead wildlife

If you see a sick or dead bird or other animal, do not touch it.

Avoid contact.
Record what you see.
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For information about signs of disease, reporting requirements and current wildlife advice, visit the Bird Flu South Australia wildlife webpage.

Information for wildlife carers and bird keepers

Wildlife carers, rehabilitators and bird keepers should follow current H5 bird flu guidance and implement appropriate biosecurity measures when handling wildlife or birds in care.

Advice about:

collecting wildlife
recognising signs of disease
reporting requirements
personal protective equipment (PPE)
biosecurity practices

is available on the Bird Flu South Australia wildlife webpage.

Bird Observers Network

The Bird Observers Network enables experienced birders to monitor for signs of H5 bird flu and report what they see.

Established in partnership with Conservation Council SA, Birds SA and BirdLife Australia, the network combines local knowledge of birds and habitats with South Australia's H5 bird flu response activities.

Training for birders

Network members receive training to:

recognise possible signs of H5 bird flu in wild birds
safely record and report observations
receive current information, guidance and safety advice
share local knowledge to help monitor for H5 bird flu
receive updates on current conditions, response activities and safety protocols.

Join the network

Experienced birders can register their interest in joining the Bird Observers Network by completing the online registration form.

How we’re protecting wildlife

The Department is working with partners across government, industry and the conservation sector to help prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu in South Australia's wildlife and natural environments.

Planning and protection

DEW has prepared to respond by:

Planning for H5 bird flu in key locations across South Australia, including Seal Bay Conservation Park, Coorong National Park, Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park, and Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
Developing response plans for native animals most at risk.
Working with Federal funding allocated to the Zoo and Aquarium Association to help protect threatened native species at Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

Reducing risk to wildlife

DEW is working to reduce risks to wildlife by:

Restoring habitat and controlling feral birds on islands off the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Controlling predators and restoring habitat to protect migratory and threatened birds on the Limestone Coast.
Controlling fox and feral cats to protect bird species’ breeding, nesting and roosting sites along the metropolitan coast.
Controlling feral pigs at the Coongie Lakes and Riverland Ramsar sites.
Inoculating sea lions and installing pup shelters for exposure protection.
Controlling feral cats that may spread H5 Bird flu around Seal Bay.

How is the response being coordinated?

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) are leading South Australia’s preparedness and response to H5 bird flu, working with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), SA Health, the Australian Government, industry and other partner organisations.

The response brings together animal, human and environmental health considerations through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

Find out more