Deadly H5 strain of bird flu suspected on sub-Antarctic Heard Island in the Southern Ocean
In short:
Wildlife scientists aboard Australia’s icebreaker believe a deadly strain of bird flu has reached the sub-Antarctic Heard Island after they witnessed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals.
The scientists say penguins and other bird species frequenting the Australian territory island have not been impacted.
What’s next?
Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu. Its presence on Heard Island cannot be confirmed until the RSV Nuyina returns from its voyage in mid-November with samples.