Antarctic expedition to search for bird flu on Heard Island

Australia is the only continent not to have recorded the deadly strain of H5N1 which has killed millions of birds worldwide.

One potential gateway for the virus to enter the country is Antarctica, where millions of migratory birds from all parts of the world congregate.

In September, Australia’s icebreaker, RSV sets off to Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean to investigate if bird flu has reached the seabirds and mammals there.

Guest: Dr Julie McInnes, wildlife ecologist at the Australian Antarctic DivisionProducer: David Cook

Agriculture, Agricultural and Farming Practice, Livestock Health and Welfare, Livestock Diseases, Environment, Nature, Animals, Birds, Wildlife Diseases, Science and Technology, Science, Biology