H5N1 avian flu is spreading in Australian bird populations with widespread wildlife fatalities reported across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has contracted the deadly pathogen. Suspected cases of the infection have been detected at a South Australian tourist site.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has begun in response to the viral threat. 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.