Tasmanian Devil at elevated risk if deadly bird flu strain takes hold

Advocates are raising concerns about the Tasmanian Devil if a deadly strain of bird flu takes hold.

Australia is the only continent without a recorded case of the H5-N1 strain — and there are fears the Tasmanian Devil may go extinct if there is an outbreak.

The animal has already been pushes to the brink of extinction by a devastating facial tumour disease.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Jack Gough, who says the government can’t hold back when trying to protect wildlife.