Australia Faces 'Genuine Wildlife Emergency' as Bird Flu Arrives on Mainland

Australia is facing a "genuine wildlife emergency" following the confirmation of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain on its mainland, experts warn. This marks the first time the continent, previously free of the disease, has recorded a case, raising alarms about its potential impact on native fauna.

Wildlife experts emphasize the catastrophic potential of the virus, particularly for threatened species. Kate Millar, chief executive of BirdLife Australia, stated that the virus could lead to "possible extinctions" and severely affect common birds like pelicans and black swans. She expressed concern that many local jurisdictions lack adequate plans to respond to H5N1 bird flu.

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The potential for this virus to kill wildlife in significant numbers means it could be particularly catastrophic for threatened species. We are talking about possible extinctions, alongside severe impacts to common birds like our beloved pelicans and black swans.

The Invasive Species Council (ISC) and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) are calling for an additional $200 million in funding over the next two years. AMCS campaigns director Alexia Wellbelove highlighted the real risk H5N1 poses to the future of endangered species such as the Australian sea lion, which is found nowhere else on Earth.

ISC chief executive Jack Gough stressed that the threat is no longer theoretical, regardless of whether this specific outbreak is contained. He urged that the situation be treated as an emergency, requiring immediate funding to bolster efforts aimed at protecting wildlife populations. The federal government has confirmed investigations are underway into the spread of the virus on the mainland.

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This is a genuine wildlife emergency and it must be treated as such with emergency funding to increase efforts to protect wildlife populations.