Warning for human bird-flu transmissions as cases soar
Australia is facing an increasing number of bird flu cases, with the H5 strain now confirmed in multiple locations. Experts warn that the virus poses a significant threat to local wildlife, particularly the little penguin population, and could impact the poultry industry.
Why it matters
The spread of H5 bird flu represents a major ecological threat and a potential risk to food security and public health if it crosses into human or mammal populations.
There's grave fears for a major city's little penguin population as a disease spreads. Photo: Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOS Australia is set to face more mass mortality events from bird flu, as fears grow that a popular penguin colony could lose almost half of its population due to the outbreak.
All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other regional websites in your area Continue The deadly H5 strain's national tally is continuing to rise after a large group of dead and sick greater crested terns at Baudin Rocks in South Australia tested positive for the virus.
Another six were confirmed in Victoria, bumping the total number of positive cases in Australia to 78.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said Australia will likely experience the "grim" reality of further mass mortalities.
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