15/07/2026
Volunteer birders will have the chance to contribute to South Australia's bird flu response, thanks to a new nation-leading training program, combining local expertise in the wildlife in coastal and wetlands systems.
The State Government is partnering with the Conservation SA, Birds SA - Australia, and BirdLife Australia to deliver a specialised training program for volunteers to learn how to identify sick birds that may be showing signs of H5 bird flu in the wild, and record and report what they find.
The Bird Observers Network will bolster current and ongoing surveillance measures across the state, including the largest aerial survey in South Australia in more than forty years, canvassing almost 5000km of coastline, islands and reefs. The survey found no evidence of widespread impacts from H5 bird flu on wildlife.
SA has recorded five confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in seabirds, including in a greater crested tern, which is native to Australia. The other four cases were detected in giant petrels, which are migratory.
SA has been preparing for H5 bird flu for the past few years, with PIRSA receiving $8.1m from the State and Federal Governments to boost its emergency response capabilities, while the Department for Environment and Water has received $3.5m from the Federal Government to support preparedness and resilience activities for the environment and at-risk wildlife.
What you can do.
Report any dead or sick birds or wildlife showing signs of bird flu, which include:
◾Multiple sick or dead birds in one location
◾Weakness, inability to stand or fly
◾Neurological signs or abnormal behaviour
◾Swelling or discolouration of the head
◾Respiratory distress.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them and avoid contact.
Record what you see to Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
