H5N1 avian flu is spreading in Australian bird populations following large numbers of bird deaths noted across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has tested positive for the virus. Suspected cases of the infection have recently surfaced at a South Australian popular destination.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has begun in an attempt to limit the spread. Authorities are looking into what happens next when hundreds of animals succumb to bird flu during an outbreak. Teams are moving quickly to control the spread and preserve vulnerable bird populations.