Scientists closely watch Australia's gannet colony as H5N1 infection looms

Wildlife enthusiasts and authorities are on high alert as the H5N1 bird flu strain has reached Australia, with particular concern for the mainland gannet colony at Point Danger in Victoria.

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We're monitoring constantly, obviously looking for any signs of illness or death.

Mike Risk, a member of the Point Danger Committee of Management, is meticulously observing the approximately 300 seabirds nesting on the coast near Portland. He is vigilant for any signs of illness or death among the birds, especially after a positive H5N1 case was confirmed in Robe, South Australia, about 200 kilometers away.

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It's impossible for [authorities] to cover everything, so this is where citizen scientists come into our own, we're out there looking.

Overseas, bird flu has had a devastating impact on gannet populations. Studies indicate that major colonies in Scotland and Wales may not recover until 2041. Risk expressed hope that the local gannets might possess some immunity but feared a similar outcome.

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If we see anything unusual, we can radio it in immediately to speak to ground crews.

To aid in detection, the Victorian government is deploying advanced surveillance techniques. The Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action is using a helicopter equipped with video and infrared technology to scan the coastline. This aerial mapping allows for rapid reporting of any unusual sightings to ground crews, who can then conduct further testing and sampling in affected areas. The H5N1 strain poses a threat to native wildlife, distinct from the H7 strain that previously led to the culling of millions of chickens in Australia.

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In some cases, that might involve further testing or sampling of that colony, or that bird nesting area.