Statement from Dr Phil Ainsley, Chief Executive, Zoos SA

“Earlier today, Zoos SA was advised by PIRSA of a preliminary H5 avian influenza (bird flu) test result from a Greater Crested Tern found near Monarto.

This is something we are monitoring very closely in partnership with government agencies. Importantly, this detection is in a wild bird outside Monarto Safari Park and not within our animal collection.

While we understand people will naturally associate the location with Monarto Safari Park, from our perspective, nothing changes today. We’ve been preparing for the potential arrival of H5 avian influenza for several years, and the precautionary biosecurity measures we’ve already implemented continue to do exactly what they were designed to do.

Across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, we’ve significantly strengthened our biosecurity through a range of practical measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission. These include bird-proofing habitats for vulnerable species, installing specialised feeding systems that minimise contact between wild birds and animals in our care, constructing additional roofing and shade structures where needed, and using drones to monitor and discourage wild bird activity around our sites.

Combined with our comprehensive planning and response procedures, these measures mean we’re well prepared and able to respond quickly should the situation change.

Our priority is, and always will be, the health and welfare of the animals in our care. We continue to work closely with PIRSA, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), and veterinary experts, and will continue to follow their advice as the situation evolves.

Both Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo remain open, with visitors able to enjoy almost everything our sites have to offer.

Today’s detection doesn’t change our response. Rather, it reinforces why we’ve invested in these preparedness measures well before H5 avian influenza reached South Australia.

I’d also encourage everyone to remember the simple message: Avoid. Record. Report.

If you see a sick or dead wild bird, please don’t touch or handle it. Instead, record what you’ve seen and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. These reports play an important role in surveillance, early detection and response efforts.

Together, we can all play a part in helping protect South Australia’s wildlife.”