Chickens, ducks, seals, and cows: A dangerous bird flu strain is knocking on Australia's door

Published May 22, 2024

Tridge summary

A severe outbreak of the avian influenza strain HPAI H5N1 is spreading globally, affecting birds and other animals on every continent except Australia and Oceania. The virus, which causes high levels of sickness and death in birds and poultry, has led to mass die-offs and threatens the survival of entire species. It has also been shown to affect dairy cows, leading to reduced milk production. Despite the low risk to humans, concerns are being raised about the potential impact on Antarctic wildlife and the possibility of human-to-human transmission. Efforts are being made to monitor and control the spread of the virus, with authorities urging the public to report dead or dying birds or mammals to aid surveillance.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

A dangerous strain of avian influenza (bird flu) is now wreaking havoc on every continent except Australia and the rest of Oceania. While we remain free from this strain for now, it's only a matter of time before it arrives.Penguins in Antarctica, pelicans in Peru, sea lions in South America and dairy cows in the United States have all been hit by fast-spreading and often lethal high pathogenicity avian influenza, known as HPAI H5N1.Indeed, avian influenza is knocking on our door right now. Just today, a case of avian influenza was reported in a return traveler, and Victorian authorities have confirmed avian influenza on an egg farm. Importantly, authorities have confirmed the virus affecting chickens is not the virus we are most worried about. Authorities are responding and we expect more information to come in the days ahead.Researchers and biosecurity authorities are on high alert, monitoring poultry farms and testing wildlife. They could do with our help. Anyone who comes ...

Source: Phys