Tasmanian devils, swift parrots, black swans: the animals at risk if bird flu takes off in Australia
Summary
Australia faces a threat from the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain, which puts over 150 native bird species and several mammals at very high risk of dying out or greatly declining. The virus has recently been found in two sick birds on the Western Australian coast, and scientists warn that some animals like black swans and swift parrots may suffer significant losses if the virus spreads.Key Facts
- More than 150 native Australian bird species are at very high risk from H5N1 bird flu.
- The virus was detected in a brown skua and a giant petrel near Esperance, Western Australia.
- Australia was previously free of H5N1, which has killed millions of birds and mammals globally.
- No new cases have been found recently, and authorities say the virus has not spread widely yet.
- Species at high risk include black swans, swift parrots, orange-bellied parrots, and the red goshawk.
- Some mammals like Tasmanian devils and Australian sea lions are also at risk.
- Black swans lack immune genes to fight the virus effectively, leading to uncontrolled inflammatory responses.
- Experts warn that if black swans start dying in large numbers, it could signal a serious outbreak in wildlife.
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