Native bird flu case sparks 'nightmare' wildlife fears
The H5N1 bird flu strain has been detected in an Australian native seabird for the first time, raising concerns about a potential wildlife emergency. Experts warn that the virus could spread to inland bird populations and potentially impact unique Australian mammal species.
Why it matters
The spread of H5N1 into new regions and species poses a significant threat to biodiversity and could have long-term ecological consequences.
Facebook X (Twitter) A KILLER bird flu strain has been discovered in an Australian native seabird for the first time, sparking fears it could trigger a wildlife emergency.
Testing detected the H5N1 strain in a greater crested tern discovered at Robe in South Australia.
The case marked a major escalation in the crisis, Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said.
“We’re potentially about to face a devastating wildlife emergency,” she told AAP.
It’s the first known infection in a wild non-migratory mainland bird rather than a migratory species from the Southern Ocean.
Wildlife ecologist Bill Bateman said it was a concerning development and the disease could spread inland.
“It is a route for it to spread into our ducks and geese and potentially also then into scavenging birds like crows, and then further inland and into bush birds,” he said.
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