The H5N1 bird flu strain has caused millions of deaths among wild birds and mammals since 2021

Peter Hobson

Friday 24 October 2025 16:58 BST

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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/bird-flu-hn51-seal-pups-heard-island-australia-b2851746.html

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Hundreds of seal pups have been discovered dead on Heard Island in the sub-Antarctic, with Australian scientists investigating whether a destructive bird flu that has swept the globe is responsible.

The virulent H5N1 strain has caused millions of deaths among wild birds and mammals since 2021, also affecting poultry and dairy farms and infecting some farmworkers.

While “not a confirmed detection” at this stage, Australia’s agriculture department is sending samples from the dead seals for urgent testing.

The ministry added that symptoms consistent with H5 bird flu on Heard Island were “not unexpected,” as the virus has already been found on the nearby French Kerguelen and Crozet islands.

Off the migration routes of big birds such as geese that spread infection, Australia is the only continent free of the highly contagious virus. But further spread through Antarctica could eventually raise the risk of infection from the south.

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Heard Island would be the farthest the flu has reached in the Antarctic since arriving from South America in 2023.

Formed by a 2,745-meter (9,006-foot) volcano that rears up from the sea more than 4,000 km (2,486 miles) southwest of Perth and 1,700 km (1,060 miles) north of Antarctica, it is a breeding ground for large populations of penguins, seals and seabirds.

Scientists of Australia’s Antarctic Division who spent 10 days there found healthy animals until late in their trip when they encountered hundreds of dead elephant seal pups, said Julie McInnes, one of its ecologists.

“It was a significant proportion of the pups in that section (of beach),” said McInnes, who was on the trip.

It was unclear whether the virus will spread to other areas or species on the island and researchers will visit again around year-end, she added.

The agriculture ministry said the confirmation of bird flu would not substantially increase the risk of its spread to Australia.

Australia has been bracing for the arrival of H5N1 bird flu, tightening biosecurity at farms, testing shore birds for disease, vaccinating vulnerable species and war-gaming response plans.

• Oct 24, 2025

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• https://www.winonapost.com/community/don-t-let-a-treestand-fall-dampen-hunting-season/article_98344258-37be-482f-8946-3e17bc5a5ffd.html

From: Emplify Health by Gundersen

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Treestands have been popular with deer hunters for decades. In fact, more than 80% of firearm hunters and 90% of archery (bow) hunters hunt from a treestand or elevated position. That increase has led to a worrying trend. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), falls from treestands are now the leading cause of injury among deer hunters, even exceeding the risk of gunshot wounds.

The risk of injury increases with the frequency of treestand use, but statistics show a trend. According to the DNR, for serious hunters who use treestands from late summer through early winter each year, the lifetime risk over a 50-year hunting career is approximately 1 in 20 (5%) for requiring medical attention due to a fall.

Megan Anderson, trauma injury prevention coordinator at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says there is an impact of these injuries on emergency rooms.

“Falls from treestands place a significant burden on emergency medical services and trauma centers, often resulting in serious injuries that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation,” she said. “These incidents not only affect the health and well-being of hunters but also strain health care resources during peak hunting seasons.”

Anderson also stresses the importance of prevention.

“The good news is that many treestand falls are preventable,” she added. “Hunters can reduce their risk by using proper safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses, and by following safe climbing and hunting practices. Education and awareness are key to ensuring hunters return home safely each season.”

To help hunters stay safe, Anderson recommends the following tips:

• Always wear a full-body safety harness when climbing and hunting from treestands.
• Use a haul line to raise and lower equipment, keeping your hands free while climbing.
• Inspect treestands and climbing gear regularly for wear and damage before each use.

As treestand hunting remains popular, these findings underscore the urgent need for increased safety measures and hunter education to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.

For more information on treestand safety and injury prevention, hunters are encouraged to consult local wildlife agencies and safety organizations.