Australia has recorded its first mass mortality event as H5N1 bird flu continues to spread across the country. Agriculture Julie Collins made the announcement on Monday, saying there were now 74 confirmed cases of the H5 strain. Environment Minister Murray Watt said the mass mortality event was “very sad news”. “The overseas experience has shown that we can’t stop the spread of H5 bird flu among birds or among mammals... and that will mean more mass mortality events.” Mr Watt said every bird species was at risk, with Chief Veterinary officer Beth Cookson adding that numbers would likely increase during migratory bird season.