Australia ramps up bird flu testing as PNG blocks poultry imports

Australian authorities ramped up surveillance and testing after confirming two cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu, while neighbouring Papua New Guinea suspended all poultry imports from the country.



Tests are underway in South Australia after two dead sub-Antarctic seabirds and a pelican were found on Monday near Fowlers Bay, more than 1,200 km east of Esperance in Western Australia where the first two confirmed cases were reported, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.



South Australia state Primary Industries Minister Claire Scriven told ABC Radio it could be several days before results from the bird samples are available.

"In terms of the turnaround times, it sort of depends on the outcomes ... we hope this doesn't get to South Australia, but we know, of course, that it may," Scriven said.



A South Australia Primary Industries Department spokesperson said there were no confirmed bird flu cases in the state, but it will investigate any reports of sick or dead birds and will alert the public if a positive case is found.



Ground-based surveillance and drone surveys are being carried out at sea lion breeding sites along South Australia's west and far west coasts, while testing frequency has been increased in high-risk areas.