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The H5N1 bird flu is nearing Australia, and wildlife experts are bracing for its arrival as best as they can.

Although the flu is yet to make its way to Australia and New Zealand, it has caused distressing effects globally, impacting over 500 bird species and more than 60 mammal species, including entire seal populations in Antarctica.

Environment Institute member Professor Wayne Boardman has been closely tracking the virus, which first emerged in China in 1996. Since a key mutation in 2020, the virus has spread more aggressively moving through Europe, Africa, and the Americas. He says it’s now "almost certain" that H5N1 will reach Australia, likely via migratory birds travelling through shorebird flyways from Asia or via the sub-Antarctic islands.

Dr Boardman warns that the virus has already caused mass deaths among Peruvian pelicans and European sandwich terns. “We hope these species recover, but the virus could continue to cause mortality over the next five, 10, even 15 years,” he said. For endangered species, the impact could be irreversible.

One of the biggest concerns is for the Australian sea lion population, which has fewer than 14,000 individuals remaining, mostly along South Australia’s coast. If H5N1 reaches them, Dr Boardman fears the consequences would be devastating.

Calls for proactive measures are growing. Independent MP Tammy Franks has urged the SA Government to co-fund a field research station in the Coorong, an important hotspot for migratory birds. She highlighted that a recent avian cholera outbreak was only identified thanks to the rapid delivery of fresh carcasses by a local fisherman, allowing timely testing.

Coorong Environment Trust Board member Faith Coleman says a site at Woods Well is available and ideal for a lab facility. The estimated cost? Around $1 million. "They [the state government] would only need to contribute a portion," she said "It would be really helpful if they could meet us halfway."