Since five mute swans escaped in Maryland in 1962, their population in Chesapeake Bay has grown to about 4,500, sparking ecological concerns over submerged aquatic vegetation consumption and displacement of native birds.
Australia will begin vaccinating at-risk native bird populations against the H5N1 avian influenza strain in the coming days and weeks, following the first mass seabird deaths and continued virus spread.
New South Wales confirms its first H5 avian influenza cases in native birds, with infected greater crested terns found near Narooma and Wentworth, marking the state's first inland detection.
Two greater crested terns found dead on South Australian beaches (near Robe and Semaphore) have tested positive for the H5 bird flu strain, marking the first confirmed cases on a SA metropolitan beach. National tally now includes 7 in SA, 10 in WA, 2 in NSW, and 1 in QLD.
