The Latest Breaking News from Bird Flu

Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in a mammal

Australia ⁠is grappling with rising cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza

The Independent UK · Aug 23

First bird flu death in an Australian mainland mammal is a grim milestone. We know how bad this can get

Australia has crossed another grim threshold in its H5N1 bird flu outbreak. For the first time, the virus has infected an Australian mainland mammal: a long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, about a four-hour drive southeast of Adelaide.

The Conversation · Aug 23

Race to vaccinate after deadly bird flu milestone

An ambitious effort to vaccinate wild penguins against bird flu is ramping up as Australia recorded a distressing milestone in the worsening outbreak.

AAP · Aug 23

The first wave of bird flu is the worst: what Australia can learn from overseas

Hundreds of dead birds are now being reported as the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu begins to spread across Australia. Government reports show the virus is circulating in resident birds.

The Conversation · Aug 20

More than 5,000 little penguins will be vaxxed against bird flu. How will this protect them?

A major push is underway to catch and vaccinate more than 5,000 little penguins in Victoria to protect them against the virulent H5N1 bird flu.

The Conversation · Aug 18

From the coasts to the plains, bird flu could threaten not just birds – but their homes

Yesterday, I woke to a cold, damp Canberra morning – and silence. The trees around my home were empty of feathered silhouettes. Even the usual bright-eyed, warble-voiced magpies were absent.

The Conversation · Aug 17

NZ has spent years preparing for H5N1 bird flu. For some species, it may not be enough

The arrival of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu in Aotearoa New Zealand last month triggered a national response years in the making.

The Conversation · Aug 17

Bird flu has devastated wildlife around the world. What Australian birds are most at risk?

It’s uncertain how native populations might be affected by the deadly H5 strain but seagulls, pelicans and black swans are among those species that have experts worried

The Guardian - AU · Aug 17

Fears for injured wildlife as bird flu spreads

Some vets have stopped treating birds and other wildlife as H5 flu fears - and cases - climb across the nation.

AAP · Aug 17

Is bird flu infecting humans? How would we know?

Bird flu is circulating among birds on the Australian mainland. So with the confirmed number of detections growing, you may be wondering about the risk of birds infecting humans.

The Conversation · Aug 16