Tasmanian devils, swift parrots, black swans: the animals at risk if bird flu takes off in Australia (opens original article in a new tab)

Australia's native bird and mammal species face significant risk from H5N1 bird flu, with over 150 bird species assessed as very high risk of extinction or decline if the virus spreads. Black swans are particularly vulnerable due to their immune system characteristics, and government agencies have prepared 100 response plans for species and habitats.

• More than 150 native Australian bird species are at very high risk of extinction or decline if H5N1 bird flu spreads
• Black swans are highly vulnerable due to lacking immune genes to combat H5N1
• 100 response plans have been developed for species and habitats to prepare for potential H5N1 outbreaks