Australia poorly prepared for deadly avian flu that kills millions of wild birds, experts warn

Conservationists call for national response plan for possible arrival of HPAI H5, which so far has affected 300 species worldwide

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Conservationists have warned Australia is poorly prepared for the potential arrival of a deadly form of avian influenza that has killed millions of birds and thousands of mammals overseas.

When HPAI H5 (high pathogenicity avian influenza of subtype H5) arrived in South America late last year it killed more than 60,000 seabirds and 3,500 sea lions within weeks in Peru alone.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup