'Thief' Seabirds could spread new Avian flu to Australia

Avian influenza viruses have infected bird populations around the globe long before humans were aware of them in the 19th Century. In 2021, a new strand of bird flu known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) infected many birds across most of the world. Currently the virus has still not reached Australia, but the threat still looms large especially amongst seabirds.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Simon Gorta, a conservation ecologist and PHD candidate from the University of New South Wales Sydney to discuss this Avian Influenza strand, seabirds in general and particularly the species involved in the spread.

Animals, Environment, Health

'Thief' Seabirds could spread new Avian flu to Australia

Avian influenza viruses have infected bird populations around the globe long before humans were aware of them in the 19th Century. In 2021, a new strand of bird flu known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) infected many birds across most of the world. Currently the virus has still not reached Australia, but the threat still looms large especially amongst seabirds.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Simon Gorta, a conservation ecologist and PHD candidate from the University of New South Wales Sydney to discuss this Avian Influenza strand, seabirds in general and particularly the species involved in the spread.

Torres Strait Islander Affairs

Torres Strait Islanders and their new corporation - Kara Debe Lusik

We've all heard of the First Australians from the Torres Strait, however do you know where the Torres Strait is? Do you know the hardships Torres Strait Islanders endured in early Australia or their contributions?
There is a new Torres Strait Islanders corporation (Kara Debe Lusik) being founded to ensure networking and that their culture continues.
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Cherissma Costelloe a founder of Kara Debe Lusik about an upcoming 'Callout' (28 September) as well as familiarising us with the Torres Strait Islanders' history and the corporation's aims.

An Iranian Mother's Struggle in Obtaining Permanent Visas

Upon his election into Parliament, Anthony Albanese inherited the unresolved status of thousands of asylum seekers and refugees whose claims for protection were rejected by the fast-track processing system created under the Abbott Government in 2014.

The system, which was meant to "fast-track" applications for refugee status and permanent visas, has ended with thousands of people living in limbo for the past decade. Fearful, that they will be forced to return back to their homeland. 

Local students tackle industry head-on with their very first feature film

A new indie and action-dystopian film boasting bold, colourful shots of Brisbane’s CBD will hit Griffith University theatres in early November.

Despite starting with a tight $500 budget and little experience within the industry, local students Haruki Ryles, Finn Williams, and Clancy Ellerman-Miller took the industry head on by producing 100% Pure Rage. A high-quality feature film they produced outside of university with the hopes it will reach national film festivals. 

Federal Politics

National Firearms Register Implemented Decades After Howard Reforms

The Australian Government will implement a National Firearms Register (NFR), decades after the National Firearms Agreement called for one. 4ZZZ Journalist Joshua McIntosh spoke with those concerned, about the proposal.

Brisbane Group Building Connections Through Sustainability

Rubbish Club Brisbane is a group that combines a passion for sustainability with the making of new friends. 4ZZZ Journalist Joshua McIntosh hit the streets with the group to find out more. 

Animals, Health

Saving Feral Camels at Brisbane's Camel Farm

Did you know that we have feral camels living right here in Queensland? Do you know how the camels got to Australia or if they are an environmental problem? Are they being culled like the feral horses at Snowy River in Victoria?
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Paul Martin from Summerland Camels to discuss his local camel farm as well as feral camels.

Games

Queensland Developers Creating Incredible Games

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet some local video game developers and fellow gamers for Netherworld’s Indie Dev Night where I had the opportunity to learn from and speak to a range of local devs creating games here in Brisbane and across Queensland. Queensland has some serious talent producing incredible games, like Richie's Plank Experience

Foreign Affairs

Ongoing Sudanese Civil War - Understanding the Past and Present

You made have heard of the recent conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine making headlines and receiving ongoing coverage in the media, but did you know there has been an ongoing civil war in Sudan since April 2023? In fact, this war has caused major humanitarian and economic damage with rival factions vying for power.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Noah Bassil, an Associate Professor of Global Politics at Macquarie University to learn about the current conflict as well as the historical context which has shaped Sudan today.

Health

The Bone Bus

Ever heard of The Bone Bus? And no, we're not talking about a spooky Halloween bus ride! we're talking about a bus that takes care of your bones! So let’s get stuck into the bare bones of what this bus is all about! 4ZZZ's intrepid reporter, Anita Diamond, interviewed Elan Zwick from MeasureUp Australia to learn all about The Bone Bus.

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