Tasmanian devils, swift parrots, black swans: the animals at risk if bird flu takes off in Australia
The Australian government has identified over 150 native bird species and 10 mammal species as being at high risk of extinction due to the H5N1 bird flu strain. While the virus has been detected in two wild birds in Western Australia, authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further spread.
Why it matters
The potential outbreak threatens Australia's unique biodiversity, as many of these species are endemic and found nowhere else on Earth.
A Western Australian black swan. State and federal governments have been preparing for the likely arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain for several years. Photograph: Travelscape Images/Alamy View image in fullscreen A Western Australian black swan. State and federal governments have been preparing for the likely arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain for several years. Photograph: Travelscape Images/Alamy Australia news Tasmanian devils, swift parrots, black swans: the animals at risk if bird flu takes off in Australia Federal government identifies more than 150 native and unique bird species and 10 mammal species at ‘very high risk’
The article reports on government analysis and environmental risks using neutral, factual language without political spin.
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