Australia Faces First Mass Mortality Event from Bird Flu Among Native Birds
Australia is experiencing its first suspected mass mortality event due to the H5N1 bird flu virus, with over 80 dead and sick birds found off the South Australian coast. Helicopter surveillance identified 49 dead greater crested terns on Baudin Rocks, along with 35 more sick birds. The virus, which arrived in Australia six weeks ago, has spread rapidly, with confirmed cases in multiple states. Conservationists and authorities are concerned about the virus's impact on native wildlife, including endangered species like the Australian sea lions. The spread of the virus among silver gulls, known for scavenging, raises fears of further inland transmission. 
