SA fur seal dies from H5 bird flu in first mainland case

A long-nosed fur seal has died from H5 bird flu at Beachport on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, marking the first confirmed case in a mammal on mainland Australia.

The detection comes as the virus spreads among wildlife, with South Australia recording 183 confirmed events, including mass deaths of more than 1,000 greater crested terns on offshore islands.

A little penguin on Kangaroo Island has also tested positive, while long-nosed fur seals and Australian sea lions are among the mammals considered at very high risk.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the seal death was “not unexpected” as the virus continues to spread through the country, and further cases in marine mammals are likely moving forward.

Authorities are urging people to avoid sick or dead wildlife and report suspected cases to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.