First case of bird flu in pelican detected in SA

The nation’s first case of a pelican infected with H5 bird flu has been confirmed by South Australian authorities. 

The bird was found at Edithburgh on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, and is one of four other bird flu events across the state confirmed on Monday. 

South Australia's environment minister Emily Bourke said a dead sea lion found near Victor Harbor had been sent for testing.

It follows yesterday’s confirmation of another sea lion being infected with the virus.

"We've had another report today of a deceased sea lion, just off of Victor Harbor, this is a case that we will now test," Ms Bourke said.

A dead dolphin found washed ashore at Port Noarlunga will be unable to be tested for bird flu, the minister said, due to decomposition of the carcass.

South Australia has now had 295 confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in animals.