Deadly strain of bird flu suspected on Heard Island

24/10/2025 3 min
Deadly strain of bird flu suspected on Heard Island

Listen "Deadly strain of bird flu suspected on Heard Island"

Episode Synopsis


Scientists fear the deadly H5 strain of bird flu has reached one of Australia's sub-Antarctic islands after signs of the disease were seen in elephant seals on Heard Island.Wildlife experts who travelled to the volcanic island in the Southern Ocean on the icebreaker RSV Nuyina have observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals in recent days.Guest: Jonathan Webb, ABC Radio National Science Editor

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