H5N1 avian flu is moving through Australian bird populations following widespread wildlife fatalities noted across affected areas. A little penguin on King Island has been confirmed with the virus. Suspected cases of the infection have recently surfaced at a South Australian visitor location.
Mass vaccination of little penguins has begun in an attempt to limit the spread. Authorities are examining what happens next when hundreds of animals perish from bird flu during an infection wave. Teams are moving quickly to manage the situation and preserve vulnerable bird populations.