The H5N1 bird flu virus has been found on the Australian mainland, leading to new conservation and biosecurity measures to protect native birds and endangered mammals.

H5N1 禽流感病毒已在澳洲大陸發現，因此採取了新的保育與生物安全措施，以保護原生鳥類與瀕危哺乳動物。

The arrival of H5N1 was confirmed after positive tests in migratory seabirds in Western and South Australia. Scientists from Birdlife Australia assert that this virus is a serious threat to fifteen native duck species. These birds are already vulnerable because human activities, such as urban growth and farming, have destroyed their wetland habitats. Consequently, bird populations are more crowded, which increases the risk of the virus spreading quickly. Data shows that duck numbers dropped from 900,000 in 1984 to less than 100,000 by 2022, and recreational hunting continues to put pressure on these remaining groups.

在西澳洲與南澳洲的候鳥樣本中驗出陽性後，正式確認了 H5N1 已抵達。澳洲鳥類保護協會 (Birdlife Australia) 的科學家主張，這種病毒對十五種原生鴨類構成嚴重威脅。由於人類活動（如城市擴張與農業）毀壞了它們的濕地棲息地，使得這些鳥類原本就十分脆弱。因此，鳥類族群變得更加擁擠，增加了病毒快速傳播的風險。數據顯示，鴨類數量從 1984 年的 90 萬隻下降至 2022 年的不足 10 萬隻，而娛樂性狩獵持續對剩餘族群造成壓力。

Beyond birds, the virus also threatens the endangered eastern quoll. Because these mammals often eat sick or dead birds, the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust is building sixteen special quarantine enclosures at the Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve. These facilities act as a 'genetic insurance policy' to keep the species safe. The enclosures include underground barriers to prevent animals from escaping and special activities to keep the animals healthy during isolation. Furthermore, the trust has stored extra food supplies in case the commercial poultry industry is disrupted.

除了鳥類，這種病毒也威脅到瀕危的東方袋鼬。由於這些哺乳動物經常食用生病或死亡的鳥類，「林地與濕地信託基金」(Woodlands and Wetlands Trust) 正在 Mulligans Flat 自然保護區建造十六個特別隔離圍欄。這些設施扮演著「基因保險單」的角色，以確保該物種的安全。圍欄包含地下屏障以防止動物逃脫，並有特別活動確保動物在隔離期間保持健康。此外，該信託基金已儲備額外糧食，以防商業家禽業受到干擾。

In Queensland, the risk of a major outbreak is higher due to the state's high variety of bird species. Former chief scientist Hugh Possingham emphasized the need for volunteer bird-watchers to help monitor the situation, although experts warn that these volunteers need proper training to avoid catching the virus. While the government is working with veterinarians and the community, the poultry industry remains worried. Based on international experience, officials are considering targeted culling and vaccinations for both commercial poultry and certain native birds to contain the spread.

在昆士蘭，由於該州鳥類物種多樣性高，爆發大規模疫情的風險更高。前首席科學家 Hugh Possingham 強調需要志願鳥類觀察員協助監測情況，儘管專家警告這些志願者需要經過適當訓練以避免感染病毒。雖然政府正與獸醫及社區合作，但家禽業依然感到憂慮。根據國際經驗，官員正考慮對商業家禽及特定原生鳥類採取有針對性的撲殺與疫苗接種，以控制傳播。

Australia is currently using a mix of monitoring, quarantine facilities, and biosecurity rules to reduce the ecological and economic risks caused by H5N1.

澳洲目前採用監測、隔離設施與生物安全規範相結合的方法，以降低 H5N1 造成的生態與經濟風險。