Second State Reports Suspected Mass Bird Flu Deaths Amid Ongoing Outbreak

Confirmed Mass Mortality Event in South Australia

Aerial surveillance has revealed a significant number of deceased birds at Baudin Rocks off the coast of South Australia, confirming the first mass mortality event associated with the deadly H5 bird flu. The environment minister, Murray Watt, emphasized that this marks the beginning of what is likely to be an extended and challenging period for wildlife populations in Australia.

Dead Terns Reported in Victorian Estuary

Meanwhile, Victoria has reported a cluster of dead greater crested terns near Nelson and Lawrence Rocks. Dr. Graeme Cooke, the state’s chief veterinary officer, stated that these observations are consistent with the recent confirmation of H5 bird flu in South Australia, indicating an expanding geographical reach of the disease.

Minister Warns of Ongoing Challenges

Murray Watt underscored the complexity and duration of managing this wildlife crisis. 'This is the beginning of what is likely to be a long, difficult journey in terms of the impacts on wildlife,' he said, highlighting the inevitability of further mass mortality events as birds move across regions.

The environment minister also noted that while it's challenging to prevent bird movement and habitat disruption, efforts are being made to bolster the resilience of native bird populations. Multiple new cases have been identified in Victoria, including a petrel found with H5 bird flu in the Coorong region, adding to the scope of the problem.

Multiple New Cases Confirmed

The CSIRO confirmed 18 new cases of H5 bird flu across South Australia and Victoria. These include samples from six birds at Baudin Rocks, a silver gull in Glenelg, two greater crested terns at Troubridge Island, a silver gull at Southend, a greater crested tern at Monarto, and six greater crested terns on Pages Islands.

Concerns Over Wetland Regions

The Coorong, an area of international significance for wetlands that supports diverse waterbird populations, has been identified as a new location where the virus is present. This raises additional concerns about potential impacts on migratory species and breeding colonies within the region.

Source: The Guardian