Safety note: Admin approval is an initial review, not a guarantee that every detail is correct. Check important or urgent claims with official sources and report anything inaccurate or unsafe.
Source and credit: Contributor's own report
Royal Adelaide Show Cancels All Bird Competitions Amid H5 Bird Flu Outbreak - Adelaide, SA
Smart summary
Organisers remove poultry and pigeon events from this year's Royal Adelaide Show to strengthen biosecurity and protect animal welfare.
Organisers of the Royal Adelaide Show have announced today, 7 August 2026, that all poultry, pigeon and other bird competitions scheduled for this year's event have been cancelled because of the growing H5 bird flu outbreak in South Australia. The decision was made after consultation with state biosecurity authorities and is intended to reduce the risk of disease transmission while protecting exhibitors, animals and the wider agricultural community.
The Royal Adelaide Show is one of South Australia's largest annual community events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Agricultural competitions are a major part of the show, with poultry, pigeons, ducks, geese and other bird categories traditionally drawing exhibitors from metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. This is the first time in the show's long history that all bird competitions have been cancelled because of a biosecurity concern.
Show organisers said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. Around 150 exhibitors, volunteers and stewards who normally participate in the bird sections will be affected by the cancellation. Officials acknowledged the disappointment for exhibitors who spend months preparing birds for competition but said protecting animal health remains the highest priority.
South Australia has recorded a significant increase in confirmed and suspected cases of H5 avian influenza in wild birds. While authorities have stated that the current risk to the general public remains low and there have been no reported infections in commercial poultry associated with the show, strict biosecurity measures are considered essential to prevent any possible spread of the disease.
Other sections of the Royal Adelaide Show are expected to continue as planned, including livestock displays, carnival rides, entertainment, food exhibitions, agricultural showcases and family attractions. Organisers have confirmed that only the bird-related competitions and exhibits have been removed from the program, while preparations for the remainder of the event continue.
Authorities will continue monitoring the bird flu situation over the coming weeks and will provide further updates if additional biosecurity measures become necessary. Visitors planning to attend the show are encouraged to follow official announcements regarding event arrangements and animal exhibits.
ShowBirdAdelaideCompetitionsBeen
Organisers of the Royal Adelaide Show have announced today, 7 August 2026, that all poultry, pigeon and other bird competitions scheduled for this year's event have been cancelled because of the growing H5 bird flu outbreak in South Australia. The decision was made after consultation with state biosecurity authorities and is intended to reduce the risk of disease transmission while protecting exhibitors, animals and the wider agricultural community.
The Royal Adelaide Show is one of South Australia's largest annual community events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Agricultural competitions are a major part of the show, with poultry, pigeons, ducks, geese and other bird categories traditionally drawing exhibitors from metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. This is the first time in the show's long history that all bird competitions have been cancelled because of a biosecurity concern.
Show organisers said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. Around 150 exhibitors, volunteers and stewards who normally participate in the bird sections will be affected by the cancellation. Officials acknowledged the disappointment for exhibitors who spend months preparing birds for competition but said protecting animal health remains the highest priority.
South Australia has recorded a significant increase in confirmed and suspected cases of H5 avian influenza in wild birds. While authorities have stated that the current risk to the general public remains low and there have been no reported infections in commercial poultry associated with the show, strict biosecurity measures are considered essential to prevent any possible spread of the disease.
Other sections of the Royal Adelaide Show are expected to continue as planned, including livestock displays, carnival rides, entertainment, food exhibitions, agricultural showcases and family attractions. Organisers have confirmed that only the bird-related competitions and exhibits have been removed from the program, while preparations for the remainder of the event continue.
Authorities will continue monitoring the bird flu situation over the coming weeks and will provide further updates if additional biosecurity measures become necessary. Visitors planning to attend the show are encouraged to follow official announcements regarding event arrangements and animal exhibits.
Geraldton cyclists and residents are being invited to have their say as the City of Greater Geraldton reviews existing cycling infrastructure and consid...
Geraldton is among regional WA communities set to receive a new Service WA Digital Assist kiosk, helping residents access government services in person.
Darwin, Northern Territory · Community News · 11 Aug 2026
The Northern Territory Performing Arts Awards will become part of the Darwin Festival under a new three-year partnership, strengthening the city’s arts...
Adelaide will see sunny breaks and increasing winds today, with cool winter temperatures and another unsettled weather system expected to bring showers...
Adelaide Crows captain and club great Taylor Walker has confirmed the 2026 AFL season will be his final season, ending a remarkable career at the club.
The South Australian Government has announced a Royal Commission to examine the impact of artificial intelligence and how the technology should be gover...
Three people were rescued after floodwater swept away vehicles in Adelaide’s northern suburbs as intense rainfall caused widespread disruption across So...
Police are appealing for information after a driver allegedly fled the scene of a two-vehicle crash in South Gladstone, leaving two passengers injured.
Geraldton cyclists and residents are being invited to have their say as the City of Greater Geraldton reviews existing cycling infrastructure and consid...
