The Latest Breaking News from Bird Flu

It is rising fast as a contender amid dramatic outbreaks among mammals, and could be far deadlier than COVID-19.

Millions of birds have died from a new strain of avian flu sweeping the globe, and while it has not been detected in Australia yet, experts are worried the virus also has been found in mammals.

Exclusive: Activists blame factory farming for UK’s worst outbreak as owners paid average of £165,000 each

Three animals in Colorado, each of them now dead, tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza that’s sweeping across the country, state wildlife officials said in a release.

As bird flu continues to decimate poultry and wild bird populations around the world, the virus – a deadly strain called H5N1 – appears to be spreading to mammals. The virus has already been confirmed in foxes and otters in the UK, and more recently in four dead seals.

Avian flu H5N1 is spreading from birds to mammals. Human risk is low, but don't relax just yet

He said it is important to closely monitor the spread of bird flu, and mutations in the virus, and learn lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic

It is infecting wild bird populations across the globe and could potentially infect endangered species.

Experts warn of ‘step-change’ in avian flu spread as number of cases in mammals continues to grow globally

'We cannot assume' the risk will remain low, 'we must prepare'

Following an outbreak as St Margaret's Loch within Holyrood Park, a warning has now been issued to those in the Blackford area. Dog-walkers in particular have been urged to approach with caution