Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in local mammal

Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a local mammal, with the virus detected in a long-nosed fur seal from South Australia. The highly pathogenic avian influenza, which arrived in the country in June, has been causing rising concerns across the nation. The seal, discovered dead with no visible injuries at Beachport, a coastal town approximately 310 km south of Adelaide, is believed to be part of an estimated population of 100,000 in the region's waters.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that the seal's death is not linked to other sick or deceased marine mammals. Australia is the last continent to report bird flu, although the virus was detected on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island in late 2025, where over 13,000 baby seals perished. Seals are particularly vulnerable to the virus, according to South Australia's chief veterinary officer, Skye Fruean, as they inhabit close proximity to wild birds on rocky coastlines, exposing them to high levels of the virus.

So far, H5N1 has not been found in Australia's poultry or agricultural sectors. The government reported 297 confirmed cases nationwide.