Fears shared on Australia reaching bleak milestone in the spread of H5 bird flu
There are fears Australia has reached a bleak milestone in the spread of H5 bird flu, following the discovery of a large group of dead and sick birds off South Australia's coast on Friday.
Citizen scientists in South Australia have expressed growing concern over the spread of H5 bird flu, a strain that has recently led to the death of multiple birds. Since the onset of a harmful algal bloom last year, Johanna Williams and Susan Belperio, two bird enthusiasts, have regularly found dead birds on Glenelg Beach. The discovery of 80 dead and sick birds off Baudin Rocks, near Cape Jaffa, has intensified their worries.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions reported local transmission of H5 bird flu between greater crested terns, a first in South Australia. BirdLife's senior advisor, Sean Dooley, stated that the country is now experiencing a significant phase of the outbreak, with evidence of spread between native birds, primarily silver gulls and greater crested terns.
As of now, Australia has confirmed 54 cases of H5 bird flu, with the majority in South Australia. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the country's preparedness to manage the impact of the virus, although he acknowledged ongoing discussions with the poultry industry about potential measures.
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