Bird flu decimated South America's marine mammals. What can Australia do differently?
Australia is now confronting an outbreak of a deadly bird flu strain. As of Monday, the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus had been detected in 78 wild birds across mainland Australia. Until now, there had been no evidence of a large-scale outbreak.
Australia is currently battling an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, with 78 wild birds infected across mainland Australia as of Monday. The virus has caused mass deaths among greater crested terns in South Australia and has been confirmed to spread to marine mammals. In South America, H5N1 has decimated pinniped populations, including at least 30,000 sea lions and over 17,000 southern elephant seal pups.
Researchers are concerned that Australia's pinniped colonies, already facing pressures from various environmental factors, could also be at risk. To protect marine mammals, authorities should focus on surveillance, testing, carcass removal, strict biosecurity measures, and public reporting of any sick or dead wildlife. The public can also contribute by reporting any sightings of ill marine mammals.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Native birds in captivity to be vaccinated against H5 bird flu as Australia prepares for more mass mortalities theguardian.com
- Australia to vaccinate vulnerable native birds against bird flu freemalaysiatoday.com
- Everything you need to know about Australia's bird flu surge abc.net.au
- Bird flu decimated South America’s marine mammals. What can Australia do differently? theconversation.com
