First Australian mass mortality event suspected as deadly bird flu virus rapidly escalates among native birds
Australian authorities are investigating a suspected mass mortality event involving greater crested terns off the South Australian coast, likely caused by the H5N1 bird flu. This marks a significant escalation of the virus's spread among native wildlife just weeks after its arrival in the country.
Why it matters
The potential spread of H5N1 to native Australian species poses a serious threat to biodiversity and the local poultry industry.
More than 80 dead and dying greater crested terns have been spotted off the South Australian coast in what is a suspected H5N1 bird flu mass mortality event. Photograph: imageBROKER/David & Micha Sheldon/Getty Images/imageBROKER RF More than 80 dead and dying greater crested terns have been spotted off the South Australian coast in what is a suspected H5N1 bird flu mass mortality event. Photograph: imageBROKER/David & Micha Sheldon/Getty Images/imageBROKER RF Bird flu First Australian mass mortality event suspected as deadly bird flu virus rapidly escalates among native birds Helicopter surveillance finds dead and dying greater crested terns off South Australian coast as H5 virus spreads
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