Pelican death on Fremantle beach heightens bird flu alert in Australia
A dead pelican found on Bathers Beach in Fremantle has heightened concerns that H5 bird flu has reached Australia, with authorities saying the virus poses a very high risk to pelicans and the bird is being tested after reports to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. While officials monitor the situation, some local deaths could also be due to botulism amid hot weather. Public reports are aiding DPIRD’s response as tests proceed and officials assess the threat.