First Australian mass mortality event suspected as deadly bird flu virus rapidly escalates among native birds

Helicopter surveillance finds dead and dying greater crested terns off South Australian coast as H5 virus spreads Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast More than 80 dead and sick birds seen on rocks off the South Australian coast are suspected to be the first mass mortality event from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, only six weeks after the disease arrived in Australia. Authorities reported on Saturday that helicopter surveillance had revealed 49 dead greater crested terns on Baudin Rocks, near Robe, as well as 35 more sick terns. While some of the birds had been collected for testing, South Australia’s chief vet Skye Fruean said it was likely the first mass mortality event from the disease. South Australia also reported three suspected positive cases in other greater crested terns, including one inland at Monarto, suggesting the disease has begun moving away from the coast. The Monarto area is home to several poultry farms. Three silver gulls were also suspected positive, SA authorities said, adding to the first silver gull found a few days ago and confirmed positive by the CSIRO earlier on Saturday. Kate Millar, the chief executive of conservation charity Bi