H5N1 avian flu is spreading in Australian bird populations following mass animal deaths reported across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has been confirmed with the contagion. Suspected cases of the infection have also emerged at a South Australian visitor location.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has started in an effort to combat the viral threat. Authorities are investigating what happens next when hundreds of animals succumb to bird flu during an unfolding crisis. Teams are moving quickly to control the spread and preserve vulnerable bird populations.