Avian influenza first emerged in 1996 but since 2020, the number of outbreaks in birds has grown exponentially, alongside an increase in the number of infected mammals.
Avian influenza or bird flu is devastating wildlife around the world. It is estimated that more than 500 bird species have been affected, and millions of birds have died. The H5N1 strain has now spread to every continent except Australia , and influenza experts say its arrival on our shores is inevitable. Honorary professor Robyn Alders, from the Australian National University's Development Policy Centre, said it was possible H5N1 could make its way into Australia .
In Antarctica, mass mortality events have been observed in penguins and skuas since bird flu arrived there in early 2024. There have even been deaths in animals native to Australia but located overseas in zoos. Professor Kirsty Short, a pathologist at the University of Queensland, has researched which Australian animals are at risk of the strain.
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