H5 bird flu testing underway for mass mortality of terns on SA island

South Australian authorities are currently investigating a mass mortality event involving more than 80 dead and sick terns discovered off the state's south-east coast. Testing is underway to determine if the H5 strain of bird flu is responsible for the deaths.

The investigation follows the identification of the affected birds in the region, prompting wildlife officials to respond to the situation. Officials are working to confirm the cause of the outbreak as they monitor the impact on the local bird population.