A long-nosed fur seal has died from H5 bird flu in South Australia, the first confirmed mammal death from the strain on the Australian mainland, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- A long-nosed fur seal was found dead at Beachport, on South Australia's Limestone Coast, on Wednesday.
- It is the first confirmed H5 bird flu case in a mammal on the Australian mainland.
- The death follows three mass mortality events involving more than 1,000 greater crested terns on offshore islands.
- A little penguin found at Kangaroo Island also tested positive for H5 bird flu.
- Long-nosed fur seals and the endangered Australian sea lion are assessed as facing very high risk from the virus.
A long-nosed fur seal has died from H5 bird flu in South Australia, marking the first confirmed case in a mammal on the Australian mainland, according to the Guardian. The seal was found dead at Beachport, on the state’s Limestone Coast, on Wednesday.
The death represents a fresh escalation in the spread of the virus. It came days after the South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas, announced three mass mortality events on offshore islands involving more than 1,000 greater crested terns.
The federal agriculture minister, Julie Collins, said the seal death was “not unexpected” as the virus begins to spread through the country, warning of “significant losses” ahead.
The highly pathogenic strain of bird flu has killed millions of birds globally and has crossed over into mammal species, including elephant seals. Long-nosed fur seals and the endangered Australian sea lion are among the mammal species the federal government has assessed as facing very high risk from the virus.
The South Australian government has also confirmed that a little penguin found at Kangaroo Island this week tested positive for H5 bird flu, indicating the virus is present in multiple species across the state’s coastline.
The confirmed cases add to growing concern about the impact of the strain on Australian wildlife, particularly for vulnerable and endangered marine species.
Why it matters
The H5 strain has devastated bird populations worldwide and its spread into mammals in Australia signals a new phase for the country's wildlife. Endangered species such as the Australian sea lion face very high risk, and officials are already warning of significant losses.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the fur seal found?
The long-nosed fur seal was found dead at Beachport, on South Australia's Limestone Coast, on Wednesday, according to the Guardian.
What other animals have been affected in South Australia?
Three mass mortality events involving more than 1,000 greater crested terns occurred on offshore islands, and a little penguin found at Kangaroo Island also tested positive for H5 bird flu.
Which species are considered most at risk?
The federal government has assessed long-nosed fur seals and the endangered Australian sea lion as facing very high risk from the virus.