First Australian mass mortality event suspected as deadly bird flu virus rapidly escalates among native birds

South Australia is on high alert as authorities suspect the first mass mortality event from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has occurred, just six weeks after the disease was first detected in Australia. Helicopter surveillance over Baudin Rocks, near Robe, revealed 49 dead greater crested terns and 35 more sick birds, prompting immediate concern.

While some birds are undergoing testing, South Australia's chief veterinarian, Skye Freuan, indicated that this is likely the initial large-scale die-off attributed to the virus. The disease's presence has also been confirmed in other greater crested terns, including one found inland at Monarto, raising alarms about its potential spread beyond coastal areas. The Monarto region is known to host several poultry farms, increasing biosecurity risks.

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We are still at the very early stages of this devastating disease spreading, but the possible first mass mortality coming just days after the virus was declared not eradicable indicates how quickly this could escalate.

Adding to the concern, three silver gulls in South Australia have tested positive, following the confirmation of the first positive silver gull case earlier that day. Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, warned that the virus appears to be "starting to take off," mirroring rapid increases and mass mortality events observed in South America. "We are still at the very early stages of this devastating disease spreading, but the possible first mass mortality coming just days after the virus was declared not eradicable indicates how quickly this could escalate," he stated.

Freuan acknowledged the challenge, saying "there is nothing we can do" to halt the disease's spread, though surveillance efforts are ongoing. This development follows a significant week where bird flu cases in Australia jumped by 20, reaching a total of 53. The virus has already caused millions of deaths worldwide and has now been confirmed in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. Experts are particularly worried about the spread among silver gulls, a common species, as it may indicate a critical new stage of transmission, posing a threat to endangered Australian sea lions at Seal Bay.

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there is nothing we can do to stop the spread of the disease, but that surveillance was working.