Lab Notes: The bird flu risk for Aussie wildlife episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 24, 2026 · 13 MIN

Lab Notes: The bird flu risk for Aussie wildlife

from The Science Show - Separate stories podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

A deadly variant of H5N1 avian influenza has finally reached mainland Australia: the last continent without it. Although the risk to human health remains low, this virus has spread through many different species overseas — and not just birds. So are our animals vulnerable? Jonathan Webb speaks with Dr Tiggy Grillo about which animals could be at risk, and what is being done to protect them.You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.Get in touch with us: [email protected]:Dr Tiggy Grillo, Chief Operating Officer of Wildlife Health AustraliaFurther information:Animal disease hotline: 1800 675 888What we know about how H5N1 bird flu got here and where it may appear nextWhy bird flu poses a high risk to many Australian native mammalsFor more on avian influenza and humans, have a listen to the latest Health Report bonus episode.This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

A deadly variant of H5N1 avian influenza has finally reached mainland Australia: the last continent without it.  Although the risk to human health remains low, this virus has spread through many different species overseas — and not just birds. So are our animals vulnerable?  Jonathan Webb speaks with Dr Tiggy Grillo about which animals could be at risk, and what is being done to protect them. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more. Get in touch with us: [email protected] Featuring: Dr Tiggy Grillo, Chief Operating Officer of Wildlife Health Australia Further information: Animal disease hotline: 1800 675 888 What we know about how H5N1 bird flu got here and where it may appear next Why bird flu poses a high risk to many Australian native mammals For more on avian influenza and humans, have a listen to the latest Health Report bonus episode. This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

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Lab Notes: The bird flu risk for Aussie wildlife

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This episode was published on June 24, 2026.

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A deadly variant of H5N1 avian influenza has finally reached mainland Australia: the last continent without it. Although the risk to human health remains low, this virus has spread through many different species overseas — and not just birds. So...

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