Brown skuas and giant petrels rarely make landfall. When they were found in WA, scientists feared ‘bad news’ for wildlife (opens original article in a new tab)

H5N1 avian influenza was detected in two seabirds in Western Australia, raising concerns about potential spread and impact on local wildlife.

• Brown skuas and giant petrels found sick in WA tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza.
• Australia had previously been the only continent unaffected by H5N1, which has killed millions globally since 2021.
• Experts fear the virus could spread to other birds and wildlife, with potential devastating consequences.