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.

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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.