H5N1 avian flu is circulating among Australian bird populations with mass animal deaths reported across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has been confirmed with the deadly pathogen. Suspected cases of the infection have been detected at a South Australian visitor location.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has started in response to the outbreak. Authorities are investigating what happens next when hundreds of animals perish from bird flu during an unfolding crisis. Teams are working to manage the situation and preserve vulnerable bird populations.