First case of bird flu in endangered sea lion
Australia's rarest seal species has recorded a case of bird flu for the first time, with an animal dying from the disease while recovering from a shark attack.
animal diseases
‘Social distancing’ plea for birds as flu hits Sydney
A deadly bird flu strain has hit the shores of another major Australian city, with a vet urging people and pets to practice "social distancing" with wild birds.
Child’s death after petting zoo trip sparks warning
A family has spoken of their "living nightmare" after their little girl died from a rare infection commonly found in farm animals.
Dolphin contracts bird flu as staff pulled from island
With bird flu now being detected in dolphins, scientists are being evacuated from a remote Australian territory to protect them from psychological distress.
Fox among suspected bird flu cases in worst-hit state
As a vaccination campaign ramps up to protect threatened bird species from avian flu, the suspected infection of a city fox shows the threat to mammals.
Fears for seals grow after second flu detection
There are fears for the viability of Australia's seal populations after another detection of bird flu, while critically endangered birds will be vaccinated.
Bird flu could wipe out endangered sea lion population
An Australian marine mammal could go extinct if H5 bird flu spreads to local colonies, after authorities flagged a second seal has likely contracted the virus.
Race to vaccinate after deadly bird flu milestone
An ambitious effort to vaccinate wild penguins against bird flu is ramping up as Australia recorded a distressing milestone in the worsening outbreak.
Vets turn away injured wildlife amid bird flu fears
Vets are refusing to treat birds and other wildlife as H5 bird flu fears - and cases - climb across the nation.
Poultry industry warned of devastating bird flu losses
Australia's poultry farmers face likely devastating losses as bird flu entrenches itself in the nation, similar to the impact endured by the American industry.
Bird flu ‘tsunami’ set to cause Aussie wildlife carnage
A "doom list" classes one in five Australian mammal and bird species as facing extreme risk from the deadly H5N1 virus as authorities race to vaccinate animals.
Bird flu fears prompt ‘proactive’ poultry farms order
Preventative measures are set to be enforced on poultry farms to prevent the spread of a deadly strain of bird flu as more cases are detected.
Fears for Australian sea lions as bird flu cases grow
Experts are warning Australia's sea lion population could face major losses after a pup's death as cases continue to mount from a national bird flu outbreak.
‘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.
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.