H5N1 avian flu is spreading in Australian bird populations following mass animal deaths recorded across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has tested positive for the contagion. Suspected cases of the infection have also emerged at a South Australian popular destination.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has started in response to the viral threat. Authorities are looking into what happens next when hundreds of animals die from bird flu during an infection wave. Teams are moving quickly to manage the situation and preserve vulnerable bird populations.