We don't know how well threatened species fight off bird flu—but we need to
Lethal bird flu is now spreading in Australia. This is bad news for many native species.
Plants & Animals
Aug 6, 2026
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Research news on avian influenza
Avian influenza is a group of infectious diseases in birds caused by avian-adapted influenza A viruses (Orthomyxoviridae), characterized by segmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genomes and diverse hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) subtypes. Strains are classified as low or highly pathogenic based on molecular determinants, particularly in the hemagglutinin cleavage site, and associated clinical severity in poultry. Research topics include viral ecology in wild waterfowl reservoirs, transmission dynamics at the wildlife–poultry–human interface, molecular evolution and reassortment, host-range restriction mechanisms, immune escape, and risk assessment for zoonotic spillover and pandemic potential.
Ways to help protect Australia's birds and mammals from bird flu
The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has now spread from migratory birds to infect resident Australian birds. Clusters of dead birds have been found in several locations. The virus will inevitably infect other wildlife, most ...
Ecology
Aug 5, 2026
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Bird flu decimated South America's marine mammals. What can Australia do differently?
Australia is now confronting an outbreak of a deadly bird flu strain. As of Monday, the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus had been detected in 78 wild birds across mainland Australia. Until now, there had been no evidence of a ...
Ecology
Aug 5, 2026
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Australia has long relied on volunteers: As bird flu spreads, they will need support
Australia had years to prepare for the arrival of bird flu. The deadly, highly transmissible H5N1 strain emerged in late 2020 in Asia before spreading to every other continent except Australia.
Plants & Animals
Aug 3, 2026
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Why you should think twice before rescuing a wild animal
Imagine you're driving down a winding road when you spot an injured possum. Your instincts might tell you to hit the brakes, check what's wrong and bundle it into your car. Research shows many of us want to help wild animals ...
Ecology
Jul 24, 2026
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H5 bird flu detected in Australian seabird for first time
Scientists have detected the highly contagious H5 bird flu in an Australian seabird for the first time, the government said Friday.
Veterinary medicine
Jul 10, 2026
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Scavenger animals are the missing link in Australia's bird flu response. Three experts explain
Australia is racing to contain the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is now believed to have infected seven seabirds.
Ecology
Jul 8, 2026
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Bird flu is deadly for backyard chickens—and even cats. A vet expert explains
The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found in seabirds in two Australian states.
Veterinary medicine
Jun 28, 2026
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H5 bird flu detected in second Australia state
Scientists have detected the highly contagious H5 bird flu strain in a second Australian state, the nation's agriculture minister said Wednesday.
Veterinary medicine
Jun 24, 2026
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Australia confirms first H5N1 cases in wild birds: What happens next for farms and wildlife?
On a remote beach near Esperance, Western Australia, two sick seabirds have brought the bird flu crisis to Australia.
Cell & Microbiology
Jun 22, 2026
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