'When, not if': H5N1 bird flu outbreak could reach Australia this spring, experts warn

Some wild bird populations, like those on Lord Howe Island, are at lower risk from the virus but other populations could face a 'wildlife massacre'Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletterJoin the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the communityTens of thousands of seabirds swoop and squawk around us but just two come crashing through the canopy.They are providence petrels, summoned by the quavering, high-pitched call of Jack Shick, a birdwatcher and tour guide on Lord Howe Island. Now he's cradling one in his hands.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...