Since the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu was first confirmed in Australian wild birds in June, it has rapidly spread around the continent – and among different species. The virus has been linked to the deaths of more than 1,000 crested terns in South Australia, as well as two dozen little penguins in Tasmania. It has also jumped to long-nosed fur seals.
Attention has now turned to vaccination. Wildlife officers in Victoria have begun an unprecedented program to vaccinate thousands of little penguins, while the federal government has committed funding to protect vulnerable native birds.
