In an alarming development for the nation’s wildlife, Australia has identified its inaugural case of bird flu in a mammal, signaling the virus’s relentless spread.
Authorities on Sunday confirmed that a long-nosed fur seal located in Beachport, South Australia, tested positive for the H5 strain of bird flu.
This marks the first confirmed occurrence of this virus in an Australian mammal, with suspicions that the infection was transmitted from wild birds.
Julie Collins, the Minister of Agriculture, acknowledged the situation as both distressing and anticipated.
“While this development is certainly troubling, it’s not entirely unexpected to observe infections in other wildlife species, especially marine mammals, in areas where wild birds show high rates of infection,” she remarked.
“Sadly, we also know that once the H5 bird flu is spreading in the natural environment, it is not possible to avoid significant losses.”
Chief executive of the Invasive Species Council Jack Gough said overseas mammal-to-mammal transmission had resulted in high fatality rates.
“We know from South America and Antarctica that mammal-to-mammal transmission among seals quickly led to high mortality rates, particularly among pups,” he said.
“We are still just at the early stages of this devastating virus and the bad news is going to keep coming for our wildlife as it spreads around the continent and between species.”
This follows an increase in bird fatalities since the virus was first detected on Australia’s shores in June.
South Australia has the highest number of confirmed cases, with 182 positive detections.
Victoria has recorded 86 cases, Western Australia 10, NSW 11, and Tasmania nine.
So far, no cases have been detected in an agricultural setting, and the health risk to humans remains low.
The public is urged to report sick-looking birds to authorities and not to approach or touch them.