Arabic version: إنفلونزا الطيور تهدد تجمعات الحياة البرية الأسترالية
According to ABC News, federal analysis has ranked more than 2,000 native Australian birds and mammals by their vulnerability to the H5 strain of bird flu, with five bird species considered at extreme risk and hundreds expected to face severe population reductions.
The critically endangered Herald petrel is listed under extreme threat alongside the endangered Christmas Island frigate and the Houtman Abrolhos lesser noddy, imperial shag and Heard shag, which are regarded as vulnerable species. Invasive Species Council chief executive Jack Gough said the findings were a “list of doom”, warning that extinction could be expected if bird flu reached the five extreme-risk populations.
More than 80 endangered and critically endangered species received a high or worse threat ranking. The endangered Tasmanian devil and eastern quolls were among the highest-ranked mammals, with populations likely to be severely reduced despite being expected to survive the virus. Dolphins, whales, sea lions and seals could also suffer significant population impacts if infected.
The first mass mortality of Australian wildlife from H5 bird flu was confirmed on an island off South Australia’s south-east coast earlier this week. Epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre said the mutation that arose in 2020 had caused an unprecedented pattern overseas, where the virus had swept through and decimated species. She also said there was little information about the susceptibility of Australian marsupials and monotremes.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said bird flu was likely to spread inland following dozens of coastal detections, with the spring breeding season creating additional risk factors. He said about $47 million had been invested over recent years to build threatened-species populations, including through removal of invasive animals. Vaccine trials are underway for captive birds, but Mr Watt said vaccinating native wild birds was realistically not possible because two doses are required.
