Bird flu dismissed as cause after hundreds of pelicans die at Menindee Lakes

While kayaking on Lake Cawndilla in the Menindee Lakes region, ecologist Damien Cook came across about 400 deceased baby and juvenile pelicans that appeared to have collapsed suddenly. Samples taken from the carcasses revealed no H5N1 avian influenza, a relief noted by NSW Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Rhys Powell, who said eliminating bird flu was the first priority. Powell indicated that determining the exact cause may take several weeks, mentioning that diseases such as botulism can require three to four weeks for diagnosis and that local veterinarians will conduct post-mortems.

Birdlife Australia's Chris Purnell welcomed the exclusion of H5 but warned that earlier detections near Wentworth keep the virus risk alive. Authorities continue to urge people to avoid contact with dead or ill birds, record locations, and report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.