We don’t know how well threatened species fight off bird flu - but we need to
Researchers are calling for a national immune-risk map to better understand how threatened Australian species might resist bird flu. Current risk assessments lack data on the genetic diversity of immune systems in native wildlife.
Why it matters
Developing a better understanding of genetic resilience could be vital for conservation efforts as bird flu spreads across Australia.
D. Stojanovic , Author provided (no reuse) We don’t know how well threatened species fight off bird flu – but we need to Published: August 5, 2026 4:10pm EDT https://theconversation.com/we-dont-know-how-well-threatened-species-fight-off-bird-flu-but-we-need-to-288920 https://theconversation.com/we-dont-know-how-well-threatened-species-fight-off-bird-flu-but-we-need-to-288920 Link copied Share article Share article
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Lethal bird flu is now spreading in Australia. This is bad news for many native species.
New federal government analysis suggests close to one in five Australian bird and mammal species is at high, very high or extreme risk. But this risk assessment omits something vital – how genetically well-equipped the species is to fight the virus.
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