H5N1 avian flu is circulating among Australian bird populations amid large numbers of bird deaths recorded 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 begun in an attempt to limit the spread. Authorities are examining what happens next when hundreds of animals succumb to bird flu during an unfolding crisis. Teams are working to control the spread and safeguard local wildlife.