Penguins and dolphins among nearly 400 Australian species under threat from bird flu as ‘true extent of disaster’ revealed

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Assessment of more than 2,000 native species warns nearly one in five at high risk of deadly H5N1, including parrots, fur seals and quolls</p><ul><li><p>Follow our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/aug/05/australia-news-live-jetstar-charge-overhead-luggage-labor-tax-coalition-economy-wednesday-ntwnfb">Australia news live blog</a> for latest updates</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/sign-up-for-the-clear-air-australia-environment-newsletter-with-adam-morton?CMP=cvau_sfl">Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here</a></p></li></ul><p>Almost 400 native Australian bird and mammal species have been assessed as being at a high risk – or worse – from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, a federal government assessment has revealed.</p><p>Some of Australia’s most beloved animals – including species of penguins, fur seals, quolls, dolphins, more than 300 birds and the Tasmanian devil – are considered at least high risk from the virus, meaning they could suffer “severe reduction in population size or viability” or worse if it reached them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/05/penguins-dolphins-nearly-400-australian-species-threat-bird-flu-true-extent-disaster">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.