Bird flu has devastated wildlife around the world. What Australian birds are most at risk?

This explainer examines which Australian bird species are most at risk from the deadly H5 bird flu strain, which has devastated wildlife globally since 2021. Seagulls, pelicans and black swans are identified as among those worrying experts.

The virus is spreading across Australia, with the federal government announcing the first vaccination plans for captive native species and Victoria moving to vaccinate wild little penguins after detections in terns on Phillip Island. Last Saturday the state confirmed the death of a little penguin, the first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in the species. Waterbirds are seen as highly susceptible because they gather in large numbers to breed and feed.

The arrival of H5 bird flu threatens Australia’s unique and vulnerable native bird populations, many of which have no prior immunity. Understanding which species are most at risk is critical to targeting vaccination and conservation responses.