H5N1 avian flu is moving through Australian bird populations with large numbers of bird deaths noted across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has contracted the deadly pathogen. Suspected cases of the infection have been detected at a South Australian popular destination.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has started in response to the viral threat. Authorities are examining what happens next when hundreds of animals perish from bird flu during an unfolding crisis. Teams are striving to control the spread and protect native bird species.