Bird Flu Hits Over 20 Animal Species in Australia

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has spread rapidly throughout Australia since its initial detection in mid-June, impacting a concerningly diverse range of wildlife. The virus has transitioned from Antarctica to offshore Australian territories and subsequently spread from coastal areas to inland waterways, resulting in numerous mass mortality events.

More than 20 distinct species of animals have fallen victim to the disease. Rachael Gray, a veterinary pathology researcher at the University of Sydney, described the situation as "quite frightening" and "pretty overwhelming." She noted the suffering and death of beloved and admired animal species, highlighting the broad impact of the H5 strain of bird flu.

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It's pretty overwhelming at the moment. These animals, who we very much love and admire and respect … these animals are getting sick, they are suffering and then they are dying.

The virus has demonstrated an ability to infect a wide array of mammal species, including long-nosed fur seals and common dolphins. Various Australian birds, both coastal and urban, have been confirmed infected, with suspicions of H5 contributing to other avian deaths. Affected bird species include the greater crested tern, silver gull, Pacific gull, black-faced cormorant, little penguin, Australasian gannet, magpie, ravens, peregrine falcon, and southern boobook.

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It's "nearly impossible" to vaccinate most wild birds.

Migratory seabirds were among the first species detected with H5 in Australia, having migrated from the subantarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The virus has also been found in species that travel between Australia and New Zealand, such as the brown skua, giant petrels, white-headed petrel, white-fronted tern, fluttering shearwater, and Hutton's shearwater.

Efforts to control the spread are challenging. Vaccinating most wild birds is considered "nearly impossible" due to difficulties in catching them and the need for multiple injections. However, a targeted vaccination program is underway for little penguins on Victoria's Phillip Island and St Kilda, aiming to vaccinate 5,000 of the estimated 40,000 penguins in the area. These penguins are relatively easier to manage as they return to the same locations nightly and do not fly. The feasibility and potential stress on other wild species must be carefully considered before any vaccination attempts.

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It can cause other risks to their health or wellbeing. That has to be factored in and planned extremely carefully.