‘Deeply concerning': mass deaths spark bird flu alarm in Australia

Mass deaths across two states have marked a major shift in Australia's bird flu outbreak, as authorities seek approval for vaccinations to protect vulnerable animals. Aerial surveillance detected more than 1000 dead crested terns on remote islands off South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas said on Thursday. On King Island off Tasmania, 28 dead penguins were also discovered, a week after confirmation of the state's first bird flu case. "The loss of more than 1000 birds is deeply concerning and the state government is treating these events with the utmost seriousness," Mr Malinauskas said on Thursday. There was also the disconcerting news of a suspected flu death involving a little penguin on Kangaroo Island, he said. SA authorities were seeking approval for a vaccination programme for penguins and potentially other species, including the black-bellied parrot, the premier said.