Australia fears bleak milestone as H5 bird flu spreads off South Australia

Australian wildlife authorities said they fear the country may have reached a troubling new stage in the spread of H5 bird flu after a large group of dead and sick birds was discovered off the coast of South Australia on Friday. Officials are working to confirm the extent of infection among the affected colony.

The discovery raises concern that the virus, which has devastated wild bird populations and poultry industries in other parts of the world, may be establishing a broader foothold in Australian coastal ecosystems. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether domestic poultry operations in the region are at risk.

Wildlife agencies are increasing surveillance of seabird colonies along the South Australian coast and coordinating with agricultural authorities on biosecurity measures, as concerns grow over the potential impact on both native wildlife and the country's poultry sector.