Sydney's penguin colony's 'under threat' if bird flu strain arrives

North Sydney's penguin colony could be devastated by the H5N1 strain of bird flu if it reaches our shores, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said.

The virus started in the northern hemisphere before it spread south, killing 30,000 South American sea lions and 18,000 elephant seal pups since late 2022.

Now, Manly's penguin colony could face the same fate, Sharpe told a budget estimates hearing this morning, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

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"I can't overstate how concerned I am about this," she said.

The virus hasn't hit Australia yet, but experts say it's a matter of time.

Sharpe said that the threat to Australia's animal population has increased due to the arrival of migratory birds to the nation.

There is not much authorities can do to contain the outbreak, she said.

She called on residents to "be our eyes and ears," and to report any sightings of five or more dead or dying birds in the wild.

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She also urged people to avoid touching sick animals, or allowing pets to touch dead or ill animals, as the virus may be able to transfer between mammals.

The outbreak has killed millions of birds in recent years.

Every continent in the world has experienced an outbreak of the H5N1 strain except Australia.