Biosecurity continues to remain at the forefront of dairyfarmers' minds
While there haven't been any additional cases of H5 avian influenza detected in SA, livestock producers are remaining vigilant about the potential threat.
SA Dairyfarmers' Association president Robert Brokenshire said they had been working closely with Biosecurity SA and PIRSA for a "long time now" on the potential risks of multiple diseases.
He said dairy was "a very low risk" for H5 avian influenza to be an issue, however producers were reminded of the importance of reporting any bird deemed to be unwell or dead.
"When the bird was discovered with a positive test at Port Elliott, the government were quick to act, which I was pleased about," he said.
"They called two meetings in the one day, which SADA were part of, and they briefed us on all the procedures."
A case in America where H5 avian influenza mutated through to cows has circulated as a concern, but Mr Brokenshire said the sharing of knowledge and information between countries following that incident had been positive.
He said SADA sent out a newsletter to their members following talk of the American case, alerting them to be vigilant, but not alarmed, as the risk of it happening here was very low.
"But we will always be careful and we'll always be vigilant about any potential risks, biosecurity and animal welfare is front and center in everything that we do," he said.
Since January 1, more than 780 samples from birds have been tested in SA.
To-date, there has been only one detection of H5 bird flu in a wild migratory bird in SA, but the state government is prepared if an outbreak occurred.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said they were working hard to protect the state's poultry and farming industries, along with local wildlife.
"Having resources such as mobile laboratories, decontamination units and rapid response units ready to go if there's an outbreak ensures we are not reacting late, but acting early," she said.
Avian influenza has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in SA, nor has it become established in any part of Australia.
Today however, it has been reported that a fifth migratory bird in Australia has tested positive for deadly avian influenza.
