‘Grim news’: Penguin alert as bird flu outbreak worsens
The escalating bird flu crisis could wipe out almost half of a penguin colony in Victoria, as authorities scramble to limit the outbreak's impact on wildlife.
animal diseases
Perfect mix: stage set for ‘maximum’ bird flu damage
The concentration of a bird flu outbreak near the mouth of the Murray River is creating a perfect storm for the spread of the deadly virus, experts have warned.
Mass deaths warning: bird flu spread set to accelerate
Seabirds and marine mammals face mass deaths from bird flu, an expert warns, as political leaders vow to protect wildlife, agriculture and the economy.
Endangered species at risk as bird flu spreads
Conservationists hold deep concerns for the future of some of Australia's most critically endangered species after a spike in bird flu cases.
Bird flu scare sparks fears of sea lion extinction
One of the Australian sea lions' biggest breeding colonies may be under threat after more suspected bird flu cases were discovered, conservationists warn.
New confirmed bird flu cases raise fears for wildlife
Bird flu has been confirmed in seven wild seabirds, prompting further testing to try to confirm if the disease is now spreading through local populations.
‘Can’t stop it spreading’: more bird flu cases likely
The poultry industry is on alert after seven suspected bird flu cases were found in native species, potentially marking a new phase for the outbreak.
It’s now official: bird flu cases in four states
Officials have confirmed that a fast‑spreading strain of H5 bird flu has reached a fourth state, with a migratory seabird washed ashore north of Brisbane.
Bird flu cases span across four states as tally climbs
A fast‑spreading strain of H5 bird flu may have reached a fourth state after a dead migratory seabird washed ashore north of Brisbane.
Bird handling ‘confusion’ as new case confirmed
A suspected bird flu case in Queensland has been cleared, but wildlife rescuers have complained of mixed messages and scarce facilities regarding sick birds.
Seabird negative for bird flu, quarantine centre grows
Fears Australia's bird flu outbreak had spread to a fourth state have been allayed after a petrel suspected of carrying a deadly strain tested negative.
More bird flu detections spark wildlife fears
Australia's bird flu tally may be edging towards double figures, with experts warning of a potentially ''devastating'' impact on already-threatened wildlife.
‘Window closing’ for wildlife as bird flu threat mounts
Another suspected bird flu case has been detected, threatening to push the national tally to eight as experts warn the clock is ticking to protect wildlife.
Precautions urged as sixth bird flu case confirmed
Australia's sixth bird flu case has been confirmed as the nation's top veterinarian issued advice to keep free-range hens housed, where practical.
Deposits in the egg and sperm bank to safeguard koalas
Koalas facing increasing population pressure from habitat loss and disease will have their genetics stored forever inside a custom designed egg and sperm bank.
Reports for sick birds surge but no new cases detected
No more cases of a deadly bird flu strain have been detected with tests continuing as sick or dead seabirds are discovered on beaches.
Fears for poultry as second bird flu case sparks action
The poultry industry and authorities are preparing for the possible spread of a deadly avian flu strain and the impact it could have on egg and chicken prices.
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
Bird flu outbreak could leave industry devastated
A deadly strain of bird flu has been detected in Australia for the first time, putting the poultry industry on high alert for a potential outbreak.
Climate concerns after worst dengue season in years
A conference has discussed multi-pronged responses to curtailing a debilitating mosquito-borne disease after an outbreak of over 20,000 cases.
The ecological disaster threatening Australian seabirds
Thousands of dead seabirds washed up on Australia's coastline two years ago following a marine heatwave and scientists warn history could repeat.
‘Invariably fatal’ rare bat virus claims another victim
The fourth case of the rabies-like lyssavirus has led to a man's death in hospital, several months after he was bitten by a bat.
Man critical after catching rare bat lyssavirus virus
A man is critically ill after becoming only the fourth known person in Australia to be diagnosed with a rabies-like bat virus.
Koalas ‘closer to extinction’ with new disease outbreak
A potentially devastating disease has been found in one state's last healthy koala population, further endangering the species.
Health alert as mosquito virus spreads in three states
A second case of the deadly Japanese encephalitis has been detected in regional Victoria after a handful of cases were reported in NSW and Queensland.
Bird flu case detected in Victoria’s north
There has been a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Victoria, days after the federal government announced it had eradicated the disease from Australia.
WHO says bird flu risk low after US reports first death
A human has for the first time died in the United States after being infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus, health officials say.
‘Genuine risks to people’: deadly bird flu strain
People are being urged to become aware of what they need to do if they come into contact with dead birds killed by a particular strain of the bird flu.
Deadly bird flu could lead to mass extinctions
Australia is preparing for a deadly strain of the bird flu which could lead to the extinction of unique species, as authorities brace for its arrival.
Devastating bird flu strain ‘on Australia’s doorstep’
Conservation groups are calling for more funding to prepare for the arrival of a deadly bird flu strain believed to have killed billions of animals worldwide.
Environment ministers summoned over bird flu threat
Australia is looking at vaccinations for bird flu as environment ministers are called to a special meeting to discuss the threat to wildlife.