The discovery of H5N1 avian influenza in South and Western Australia has raised concerns about the death of wild animals and whether current veterinary and rescue services are prepared to handle the crisis.

在南澳與西澳發現 H5N1 禽流感，引起了人們對野生動物死亡，以及目前的獸醫與救援服務是否準備好應對危機的關注。

H5N1 has been confirmed in migratory birds, such as giant petrels and brown skuas. Experts emphasize that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported because the southern coastline is very remote and there is not enough monitoring. Furthermore, the virus can spread between different species, as seen by the death of about 13,000 elephant seal pups on Heard Island. Consequently, there is a high risk for native species, including the Australian sea lion and the threatened swift parrot.

H5N1 已在候鳥身上被證實，例如巨鶹與棕色賊鷗。專家強調，實際病例數量可能高於報告數值，因為南部海岸線非常偏遠且監測不足。此外，病毒可以在不同物種之間傳播，例如在 Heard 島上約有 13,000 隻象海豹幼崽死亡。因此，本土物種面臨高風險，包括澳洲海獅與受威脅的迅速鸚鵡。

At the same time, institutional responses have shown that wildlife rescue groups and veterinary clinics lack the capacity to manage infected animals. Some veterinary practices have stopped accepting wild birds to follow public health rules. Rescue operators have asserted that current facilities are not large enough for the quarantine and sorting processes needed to stop the virus from spreading. Although the government is providing protective equipment and national guidelines, there is a lack of state-funded quarantine centers. Therefore, experts suggest that first responders need better technical training and a clear system for sorting animals to reduce the risk of transmission.

與此同時，機構的回應顯示，野生動物救援團體與獸醫診所缺乏處理受感染動物的能力。部分獸醫診所為了遵守公共衛生規定，已停止接收野生鳥類。救援人員聲稱，目前的設施規模不足以支持防止病毒傳播所需的隔離與分類程序。儘管政府提供了防護設備與國家指南，但仍缺乏州政府資助的隔離中心。因此，專家建議第一線救援人員需要更好的技術培訓以及一套清晰的動物分類系統，以降低傳播風險。

Australia is likely to see more H5N1 cases, which means the country must urgently expand its quarantine facilities and provide specialized training for wildlife responders.

澳洲可能會出現更多 H5N1 病例，這意味著該國必須緊急擴建隔離設施，並為野生動物救援人員提供專業培訓。