H5N1 avian flu is circulating among Australian bird populations with large numbers of bird deaths noted across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has contracted the virus. Suspected cases of the infection have been detected at a South Australian tourist site.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has begun in an effort to combat the spread. Authorities are examining what happens next when hundreds of animals perish from bird flu during an outbreak. Teams are moving quickly to manage the situation and safeguard local wildlife.