Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Wildlife experts warn the virus could spread to ducks and other native species, with more than 100 preparedness plans already in place.
- On Saturday, authorities confirmed Australia's first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu after a sick brown skua was found at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, about 700km southeast of Perth.
- The deadly H5N1 strain, which has killed millions of animals globally since late 2021, was previously detected last year on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island, about 4,100 kilometers from continental Australia.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would do "whatever we can to restrict any spread," while Agriculture Minister Julie Collins noted the federal government invested more than $100 million for preparedness.
- Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser warned the virus adds extinction risk to species ranging from Tasmanian devils to critically endangered orange-bellied parrots, though she noted it is not an automatic death sentence.
- Officials urge anyone seeing sick or dead birds to avoid contact and report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, as there is currently no evidence of infection in poultry systems.
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33 Articles
H5N1 bird flu confirmed in Australia for the first time, meaning virus has now reached every continent – Democratic Accent
The first case of H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in Australia, meaning the virus has now found its way to every continent. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said the virus was found in a single seabird, a brown skua, near Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia, in Cape Le Grand National Park. Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said it was “responding as part of a nati…
Australia news live: arrival of H5N1 bird flu a ‘genuine wildlife emergency’, experts say; fuel excise rebate extended for extra month
Follow live updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Anthony Albanese has urged support for his friend, the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, warning voters want stability and not political chaos. Asked about the expected leadership challenge by newly elected Labour MP Andy Burnham, Albanese says he will work with [...]
Australia has detected the H5N1 avian influenza virus in poultry for the first time, meaning that this virus has now been found on every continent worldwide.
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