World Aug 01, 2026 · 1 min read

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 spreadsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMore than 80 dead and sick birds seen on rocks off the South Australian coast are suspected to be the first mass mortality event...

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The Guardian
by Graham Readfearn  Environment and climate correspondent
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

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.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Graham Readfearn  Environment and climate correspondent.

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