The detection of H5 in a red fox in metropolitan Adelaide in late August marked the first time the disease was detected in a land mammal in Australia. This was followed by authorities in Victoria confirming the death of a fox at Torquay, south-west of Melbourne, was due to bird flu.

While authorities are not concerned about foxes spreading the disease, there is a threat of them moving infected carcasses around, particularly in urban areas.

Australia’s estimated 1.7 million foxes are found in densities up to three times higher in urban zones.

  • NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone
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    8 days ago

    Killing them actually doesn’t work as they’re really good at breeding up to the level their ford sources can support. (Despite this, twats in red jackets like to ride around the UK countryside murdering them at weekends.)

    This is why the article actually suggests not leaving food refuse bags out where scavengers can get to them.

    • arbilp3@aussie.zoneOP
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      8 days ago

      You wonder if the author thinks people are that clueless that they have to be reminded not to leave garbage and food scraps not in a bin? Mind you, cockatoos have learnt to open bins and get munchies out.

      • NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone
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        7 days ago

        The fact there there are foxes and other scavengers in every city in the world suggests that people do need to be reminded of that.