Mongabay · Climate & nature

Avian Flu Reaches Australia, Threatening Wildlife

The H5N1 avian flu strain has spread globally and now threatens Australia and Oceania, impacting numerous bird and mammal species.

Since 2020, H5N1 has infected hundreds of species worldwide. In June, it reached Australia, impacting birds and spilling over into mammals like sea lions.

The virus has caused thousands of bird deaths and infected approximately 613 bird and 112 mammal species. Seabirds, waterbirds, and pinnipeds are at high risk. Mammal-to-mammal transmission has been observed in seals.

H5N1 likely arrived in Australia via migratory seabirds from Antarctica. Its rapid spread poses a significant threat to the region's unique wildlife.

Mitigation includes carcass removal and limited vaccination for specific species. Australia is trialing vaccinations for captive birds and wild little penguins.

H5N1 can mutate from mild to deadly, especially after passing through domestic poultry. It then re-infects wild birds.

The outbreak began in Europe in 2020 and spread globally. In South America, it caused severe seal population losses, impacting conservation status.

A "One Health" approach is crucial for managing zoonotic diseases. Human transmission has occurred but not person-to-person.

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