Bird flu jumps to dolphin and fox in Australia, officials say low risk to humans

SYDNEY, August 28 — H5N1 bird flu has been detected in a dead dolphin in South Australia, officials announced, marking the first case of its kind in the country. The cetacean was found deceased in Goolwa, located approximately 37 miles south of Adelaide. According to the state's Department of Primary Industries and Regions, while the presence of the H5 bird flu in dolphins is a new development in Australia, there is evidence that these marine mammals have contracted the virus overseas.

Department officials noted that dolphins typically do not consume birds but may occasionally interact with them. Australia has been free of the H5 strain for many years as it was the only continental landmass unaffected by the highly contagious virus, which has caused severe illness and death in both poultry and wild bird populations globally.

To date, there have been no cases detected in poultry or agriculture production within the country. South Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, Skye Fruean, stated that the dolphin likely contracted the virus by eating a bird or engaging in close contact with a wild bird. She emphasized that dolphins are highly susceptible to the virus.

Additionally, officials confirmed on Friday that the H5N1 influenza had been detected in a red fox near Adelaide, marking the first case of this highly contagious influenza in a land mammal in Australia. Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson reiterated that the risk to human health remains low.