‘Devastating’: Western Australia fears a black swan moment as bird flu threatens flagship species
The state’s bird emblem is an indicator species for H5N1, with high visibility populations and low survival rates. Experts are warning of ‘significant mortality’
TL;DR
- Black swans in Western Australia are considered an indicator species for the H5N1 bird flu virus due to their high risk of mortality.
- Unlike many birds, black swans may lack a crucial immune protein, making them vulnerable to a fatal inflammatory response from the virus.
- The species has been classified as 'very high risk' for infection, and experts predict significant mortality, potentially impacting entire breeding colonies.
- The Western Australian government is exploring vaccination for black swans, with trials already underway for black cockatoos.
- Vaccine effectiveness and feasibility in native wildlife, including black swans, are still under investigation, as current vaccines are primarily for chickens.
- Vaccinating large wild populations is difficult as birds require two doses, weeks apart.
- There is a recognized gap in preparedness and investment in research regarding avian influenza's impact on native Australian species.
- The potential loss of black swans carries significant cultural and psychosocial weight for Western Australians and Indigenous communities.