Breaking: Suspected bird flu infection in red fox in metro Adelaide

A red fox in suburban Adelaide is suspected to have contracted the H5 bird flu, according to South Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regions. Over 300 infection events have been recorded nationwide since the first case was detected in June. The test results need confirmation from the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.

South Australian authorities have identified five suspected bird flu cases in the state, including the fox found in Osborne, a suburb of metropolitan Adelaide. Officials are cautioning pet owners to restrict the movement of their cats and dogs to prevent the spread of the virus. Samples have been sent to a national testing facility in Geelong for confirmation.

Other affected species include an Australian raven, a little penguin, a greater crested tern, and a Pacific gull. South Australia's Minister for Primary Industries, Clare Scriven, stated that the fox preys on birds, so if it consumes a bird with bird flu, it may contract the disease. The government advises pet owners to keep their animals on a leash and indoors to minimize the risk.

The first detection of the disease in a terrestrial animal, such as the red fox, marks a significant development, as Professor Michael Ward of the University of Sydney explained. The fox population in Australia is estimated at 1.7 million across 80% of the continent, which could potentially spread the virus to various regions, including inland areas.

The outbreak has raised concerns among farmers, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall and ample feed for foxes. Conservation sites are taking measures to protect native birds, but vaccinating penguins in Victoria is complex due to their lack of microchips.