Australian Scientists Sound Alarm Over Potential Bird Flu Threat on Remote Island

Australian scientists have raised alarms over a potential H5 avian influenza outbreak on Heard Island and McDonald Islands, following increased mortality rates among elephant seals, posing a serious biosecurity threat.

• During an environmental management visit, scientists on the RSV Nuyina observed unusual mortality rates among elephant seals on Heard Island and McDonald Islands, indicating a possible H5 avian influenza outbreak.
• The potential spread of avian influenza on Heard Island and McDonald Islands, located over 4000km southwest of Perth, raises significant biosecurity concerns for both wildlife and human health.
• Increased mortality rates in seals, a key wildlife species in the Southern Ocean, signal a critical situation that could impact the broader ecosystem and necessitate urgent monitoring and response.