Bird flu has reached mainland Australia – with cases first confirmed in WA and now South Australia.

The strain, detected in three seabirds, is H5N1 – a deadly form of the virus that has swept through wild birds overseas, forced farmers to slaughter millions of chickens, spread to mammals, and, in the United States, infected dairy cows and farm workers.

Authorities in Australia say the risk to the public is low – but for wildlife, an outbreak could be devastating.

Experts fear it could become the tipping point for species already endangered or close to extinction.

Today, CEO of the Invasive Species Council Jack Gough, on the race to stop bird flu becoming a wildlife disaster in Australia.

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Guest: CEO of the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough

Photo: PR Handout/Lori-Ann Shibish, Esperance Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary.