Second case of bird flu detected in Tasmania on King Island

A second case of bird flu has been detected in Tasmania.

A Crested Tern collected from the coast near Currie on King Island yesterday tested positive for H5 Bird Flu overnight.

It comes a day after the first confirmed case of bird flu in a Brown Suka found at Rocky Cape.

A further two Crested Terns were reported at the same location by a member of the public, and test results for those birds are expected to be available tomorrow.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff thanked the community and NRE staff for their swift response.

“Unfortunately, H5 Bird Flu's arrival in Tasmania was expected at some point given the spread across the globe and across other Australian States," Mr Rockliff said. 

"We are responding through surveillance activities across the State, including field monitoring, sample collection and testing, aerial observations and remote surveillance technology.

“We are prepared, we are taking a proactive approach, and we are responding quickly.”

NRE Tas Secretary Jason Jacobi said early detection and strong biosecurity are our best defences and will help protect Tasmania's unique wildlife and poultry industries.

“Tasmanians care about our wildlife, and I recognise this will be a difficult period and that these challenges are likely to remain with us for some time,” Mr Jacobi said.

“I would like to thank the many members of the public who have reported sick or dead birds to assist our rapid response.”