Bird flu spreading in Australia as authorities warn poultry farms at risk
H5N1 has infected at least 734 birds and mammals in Australia since June, but the true toll on wildlife remains unknown.
The H5N1 strain arrived in Australia in June when an infected brown skua washed up near Esperance in Western Australia. Cases peaked in August and September, with only 45 events reported nationally in October.
Authorities say it is only a matter of time before the virus breaches biosecurity and reaches commercial poultry farms. South Australia's chief vet warns, "You only need one sick wild bird to spread it to one poultry farm for it to kick off."
The deeper concern is that Australia's tracking system counts events, not deaths, so the scale of wildlife impact remains unknown. Greater crested terns, little penguins, and endangered sea lions are all at risk.
- 734
- Events reported
- June 19
- First detection date
- $1.37 billion
- Industry value at risk
- 17 million
- Daily egg production
Why it mattersIf bird flu reaches poultry farms, egg supplies could be disrupted and the $1.37 billion industry jeopardised. Wildlife extinction risks are severe but largely invisible.
AustraliaAustralia's vaccination programs are expanding to protect critical species, but conservation experts say the $20 million commitment falls short of what is needed.
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