Breaking: Bird flu suspected as over 1,000 birds dead in three mass mortality events
Three mass bird mortality events believed to be linked to the H5N1 avian flu strain have been recorded on islands off SA. In a separate event, more than two dozen penguins have been found dead in Tasmania, with testing now underway.
More than 1,000 birds have died in South Australia, along with 28 penguins in Tasmania, prompting suspicions of bird flu. Premier Peter Malinauskas informed parliament that the crested terns died in three mass mortalities off the state's coast, suspected to be from the H5N1 strain. Authorities in Tasmania will test the penguins found dead on King Island.
South Australia has identified three mass bird mortality events involving over 1,000 crested terns presumed to have died from H5N1. The state government is investigating a potential case involving a little penguin from Kangaroo Island. Seven additional bird flu detections have been documented in South Australia since the last update.
No mass mortality has been reported in mammals, and H5N1 has not been found in poultry or livestock. The Invasive Species Council described the latest mass deaths in South Australia as shocking, warning of an escalation in bird flu deaths. Tasmania's Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania is increasing surveillance and monitoring activities, with samples sent for laboratory testing.
Australian Seabird Group research scientist Eric Woehler warned that a confirmed bird flu cause of death for penguins would mark a major escalation in the crisis.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
