Tag: bird flu

Bird Flu Outbreak Devastates Seal Population on Remote Australian Islands Massive Seal Pup Deaths Reported A severe bird flu outbreak has killed more than three quarters of southern elephant seal pups on Australia’s remote Heard Island. Scientists estimate around 13,000 pups died out of a population of about 17,000 since last August. The deaths are linked to the H5N1 strain, which has spread across wildlife in many parts of the world. Researchers carried out drone surveys and field visits between October and January. They collected samples from multiple species across the islands to understand the scale of the outbreak. Wildlife Impact Across Multiple Species The virus was confirmed in several animals, including southern elephant seals, king penguins, gentoo penguins, Antarctic fur seals, and South Georgia diving petrels. Six species tested positive in total. Seal pups were the most affected group. In some areas, mortality reached as high as 97 percent. Penguins also suffered losses, especially king and gentoo species, although their numbers were not hit as severely as seals. Adult king penguins recorded several hundred deaths. While this represents a smaller portion of the population, it is still higher than normal levels. Spread Across Remote Islands Heard and McDonald Islands lie around 4,000 km southwest of Australia and host large colonies of seabirds and marine mammals. The findings show the virus continues to move eastward through sub Antarctic regions. Scientists noted similar patterns on other islands such as South Georgia, where elephant seals were also heavily impacted. The latest detection marks the first confirmed presence of this strain in an Australian external territory. Species Still Unaffected Not all wildlife was affected. Researchers found no unusual deaths among albatross populations or two native species, the Heard Island shad and the black faced sheathbill. Expert Warning and Government Response Wildlife expert Dr Julie McInnes said the results match patterns seen in other sub Antarctic regions and confirm the serious impact on seal populations. Australia’s Environment Minister Murray Watt called the findings deeply concerning. He warned that the country must prepare for the possible arrival of the virus on the mainland and strengthen biosecurity measures.
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Bird Flu Outbreak Devastates Seal Population on Remote Australian Islands

Massive Seal Pup Deaths Reported A severe bird flu outbreak has killed…

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