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Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Wildlife experts warn the virus could spread to ducks and other native species, with more than 100 preparedness plans already in place.
- On Saturday, authorities confirmed Australia's first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu after a sick brown skua was found at Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, about 700km southeast of Perth.
- The deadly H5N1 strain, which has killed millions of animals globally since late 2021, was previously detected last year on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island, about 4,100 kilometers from continental Australia.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would do "whatever we can to restrict any spread," while Agriculture Minister Julie Collins noted the federal government invested more than $100 million for preparedness.
- Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser warned the virus adds extinction risk to species ranging from Tasmanian devils to critically endangered orange-bellied parrots, though she noted it is not an automatic death sentence.
- Officials urge anyone seeing sick or dead birds to avoid contact and report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, as there is currently no evidence of infection in poultry systems.
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24 Articles
24 Articles
The dangerous avian influenza virus H5N1 continues to spread. However, one continent remains spared for a long time - until now. The highly contagious pathogen has now also been detected in Australia in a wild bird. Another suspected case is already being investigated.
Australia had been spared for a long time - now the currently rampant bird flu has also been detected on the mainland there. Thus, the H5N1 virus has now spread to all continents.
·Hamburg, Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left12Leaning Right5Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 19%
R 24%
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