Bird flu could wipe out Australian black swans, study warns

Experts fear famous Australian black swans could face extinction in event of outbreak

Experts say the famous birds are in a “highly precarious situation” (PA)

An outbreak of bird flu could wipe out black swans in Australia, a new study has warned.

Experts say the famous birds are in a “highly precarious situation” as they are particularly vulnerable to avian flu – and can die from it within days of becoming infected.

Their survival “would be in peril” if an outbreak hit Australia, researchers said.