‘Devastating’: Western Australia fears a black swan moment as bird flu threatens flagship species

The Guardian Australia·August 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM

theguardian.com

The state’s bird emblem is an indicator species for H5N1, with high visibility populations and low survival rates. Experts are warning of ‘significant mortality’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast When the black swans start dying, Western Australians will know that bird flu has truly arrived. The birds are an “indicator species” because once they are infected with the H5N1 virus, they are more likely to die than survive, according to the University of Queensland virologist Kirsty Short. Continue reading...

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‘Devastating’: Western Australia fears a black swan moment as bird flu threatens flagship species

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