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Beach discovery takes sinister turn as major catastrophe looms on Australia's doorstep
Yahoo News Australia • • health
Key Points:
- A dog walker in Fremantle, Australia, found the broken body of a dead pelican on Bathers Beach, raising concerns amid the recent arrival of H5 bird flu in the country.
- Although the cause of death is currently unknown, the pelican was reported for testing, as the virus poses a "very high" risk to pelicans according to the federal government's risk assessment.
- Bird flu has caused significant mortality in pelican populations overseas and has led to mass die-offs of other bird species in Australia, such as greater crested terns and seagulls.
- Distinguishing bird flu from botulism, a soil-borne illness with similar neurological symptoms in birds, is challenging, especially given recent increased botulism cases due to hot weather.
- Authorities encourage the public to report dead or sick birds with detailed observations to assist in monitoring and managing the spread of H5 bird flu.
