Millions of birds and mammals have already died across the world but the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu is yet to reach Australia or its Antarctic territories. A team is preparing for when, not if, that happens.
So far, it hasn't reached Australia's Antarctic territory and its sub-Antarctic islands, but scientists are concerned the virus could spread to those areas as soon as this spring.A team of experts is preparing for the highly contagious H5N1 virus to reach those areas. They say it's difficult to know "how grim it's going to be when it arrives".
" up to where we think we're at real risk of transmission into the human population because of the proximity of the wildlife on Macquarie Island." "Where we've seen it go through areas in the past, it's had a very devastating impact on many of the species, including up to 90 per cent, and in excess of 90 per cent, mortality of wildlife."
"We know that that will have a toll on the researchers, but our job is to really bear witness to see what happens."A deadly strain of avian influenza has breached the world's most remote continent. Scientists say it's only a matter of time before it reaches Australia.When the H5N1 strain eventually spreads to the Australian Antarctic Territory and Macquarie Island, it will raise the risk of it reaching Australia, too.
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Bird Flu Avian Influenza Wargame Australian Antarctic Division Macquarie Island
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