Over 1,000 Terns Found Dead on South Australian Islands in Largest H5 Bird Flu Die-Off Since Mainland Arrival

South Australian premier Malinauskas declared a "significant escalation" after aerial surveillance found more than 1,000 greater crested terns dead across Troubridge Island and the Pages Islands — all H5-positive sites. The deaths, presumed caused by H5, mark the largest mass casualty events since the strain reached Australia's mainland in June. Endangered sea lion colonies share the affected breeding islands; no mammal die-offs have been detected.