'Once established, we can't control it' — the race is on to halt H5 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 23, 2026 · 55 MIN

'Once established, we can't control it' — the race is on to halt H5

from The Radio National Hour · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

There’s growing fears a black swan event is unfolding in Western Australia - quite literally - with the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu on our shores. Scientists are warning that creatures like the iconic black swan, which has no natural immunity to the virus, could be wiped out completely. Australia’s threatened species commissioner says Victoria has ended native forest logging, but a Four Corners investigation has found sawmills are now sourcing timber from Tasmania, with public money flowing to keep them afloat. It’s a situation raising serious questions, ANU ecologist Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer says its time for royal commission into public funding of native logging.  A scandal has erupted within the Gold Coast artist community after a prize-winning artwork was exposed as a copy. Where is the line between inspiration and imitation and is it okay if you declare your intent?

There’s growing fears a black swan event is unfolding in Western Australia - quite literally - with the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu on our shores. Scientists are warning that creatures like the iconic black swan, which has no natural immunity to the virus, could be wiped out completely. Australia’s threatened species commissioner says  Victoria has ended native forest logging, but a Four Corners investigation has found sawmills are now sourcing timber from Tasmania, with public money flowing to keep them afloat. It’s a situation raising serious questions, ANU ecologist Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer says its time for royal commission into public funding of native logging.   A scandal has erupted within the Gold Coast artist community after a prize-winning artwork was exposed as a copy. Where is the line between inspiration and imitation and is it okay if you declare your intent?

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'Once established, we can't control it' — the race is on to halt H5

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This episode was published on June 23, 2026.

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There’s growing fears a black swan event is unfolding in Western Australia - quite literally - with the arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu on our shores. Scientists are warning that creatures like the iconic black swan, which has no natural...

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