Bird flu has claimed its first Australian sea lion and dolphin. How does the virus get into these animals?
A rare Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) on Kangaroo Island has been confirmed to have died from highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu. The sea lion had recently been attacked by a shark, weakening it. Testing revealed that the virus caused its death. Another dead sea lion is being tested.
A rare Australian sea lion on Kangaroo Island has become the first Australian sea lion to die from the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu. The virus had likely been transmitted to the sea lion through contact with sick or dead birds. The H5N1 strain has now evolved to infect mammal species in addition to birds, causing mass die-offs in pinnipeds, such as seals and sea lions, overseas in South America.
These sea lions are endangered, as their population is under 12,000. The virus can spread through direct contact, scavenging carcasses, or exposure to contaminated environmental sources. Dolphins have also contracted the virus, likely by eating infected birds or interacting closely with them. The virus can survive in the environment for varying lengths of time, depending on conditions.
As there's currently no way to prevent the spread of H5N1, efforts are focused on monitoring and managing the situation.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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