The H5N1 bird flu strain detected in Australia for the first time; a train driver killed in a commuter service crash near London; the Socceroos turn their attention to their final World Cup group match after losing to the US.
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TRANSCRIPT
- The H5N1 bird flu strain detected in Australia for the first time
- A train driver killed in a commuter service crash near London
- The Socceroos turn their attention to their final World Cup group match after losing to the US
Testing has confirmed a wild bird who died in Western Australia was infected with the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.
The single migratory wild skua seabird had been found in an unwell state earlier this week on a remote beach near Esperance, hundreds of kilometres away from Perth.
It is the first time the deadly variation of bird flu has been detected on the Australian mainland.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has confirmed the CSIRO laboratory is also testing another bird from WA - a giant petrel - for the H5 strain, but says the situation is far from bleak.
"Whilst disappointing this is not unexpected given the global spread of the H5 bird flu virus. I can confirm that there's still no evidence of any mass mortalities at this time, nor is there any evidence of infection in any poultry."
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson says the situation is evolving; and the community is being urged to assist.
"We continue to be on alert looking for signs of disease. And the most important message for the public is to assist this through our strong biosecurity system. If you encounter sick or dead birds, we are asking that you avoid contact with them. That you record information about the location of the dead bird. As well as take any information that might be helpful to us like videos or photographs."
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One person has been killed in a collision between passenger trains near London.
The National Rail Union has told the BBC the person has been identified as the driver of one of the trains involved in the crash at Bedford.
The East of England Ambulance Service says 11 people have very serious injuries, 22 are seriously injured and 56 walked away with minor injuries.
This passenger has told the BBC he saw a number of people get hurt.
"I knew something was up because the train never slows down from Bedford to Luton. And I felt it break. And it was gradual. And as soon as reacted 'like huh' then it was like a boom smash. And everyone that was sat down went flying into one another."
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Malaysia has introduced a new anti-bullying law that holds parents responsible for the actions of their children.
The law states that parents of minors who are convicted by a new anti-bullying tribunal can now also be held liable for their children's actions and risk additional court procedures and fines.
The Tribunal is comprised of 58 specialists who will deal with cases too difficult to handle on the local school level.
A 2023 study by the Dutch-based International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement found that Malaysia had one of the highest rates of bullying among eighth-grade students globally.
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Chaos has broken out at live viewing sites across Australia as passionate Socceroos fans set off flares and surged through barriers while watching their side take on the USA.
Despite a rainy and cold morning, punters still smuggled flares into Melbourne's Federation Square, and also at Tumbalong Park in the Sydney CBD.
New South Wales Police have confirmed two 20 year olds have been arrested for setting off flares at the Darling Harbour site.
NSW Ambulance paramedics have also taken another 20 year old to hospital after he was hit in the face by a flare.
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Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has reflected on the team's performance, after the side lost to the USA in their second World Cup match, 2-0.
Speaking after the game, Popovic has said they clearly struggled in the first half.
"I don't know if it was the occassion but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged. They were quicker, they were more powerful. They won every duel, every second ball and when you do that it makes it very difficult to gain any momentum. And then we conceded two soft goals. But I thought the reaction to the second half was outstanding."
Popovic says they will build on their pace ahead of their final group match against Paraguay on Friday, where Australia's hopes of progression and sealing a top-two berth will be decided.
The US on six points currently lead Australia on three points in Group D.
