H5禽流感在澳大利亚南澳州石灰岩海岸地区的爆发已持续三周，病死野生鸟类数量急剧增加。[1]自7月初首例在海鸟中确诊以来，该地区已发现数十例确诊和疑似病例，其中鲍丁岩群岛首次出现大规模鸟类死亡事件。[1]维多利亚州首席兽医官格雷姆·库克表示，死亡鹫鸟的数量"明显增加"，情况已从个别检测转变为明显的病情扩散态势。[1]
当地社区对疫情感到困扰，防护压力随之增加。[1]野生动物护理人员被要求穿戴个人防护装备，并采取严格的清洁和隔离措施。[1]受影响的鸟类包括冠鹫鸟、银海鸥等物种，令人特别担忧的是仙鹣等濒危物种也处于高风险中。[1]联邦环境部长默里·瓦特警示，这"是一段漫长而艰难旅程的开始"，反映出疫情可能对本地生态造成的长期威胁。[1]
H5 avian influenza has swept through South Australia's Limestone Coast region over the past three weeks, causing a sharp spike in bird deaths since the first confirmed case was detected in early July among seabirds [1]. The outbreak has affected multiple species including crested eagles and silver gulls, with the Baudin Rocks archipelago experiencing its first recorded mass mortality event [1].
The situation has prompted growing concern among local communities and wildlife professionals about the virus's rapid spread and its potential impact on endangered species such as little penguins, Australian sea lions, and long-nosed fur seals [1]. Victoria's chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cook, observed a marked increase in eagle deaths, describing the shift from isolated cases to a visible trend [1]. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt characterized the situation as "the beginning of a long and difficult journey" [1].
Wildlife care workers and veterinary clinics in the affected areas face mounting pressure as they implement strict biosecurity protocols, including mandatory personal protective equipment for wildlife handlers and rigorous cleaning and isolation procedures [1].