A long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport, South Australia, on Wednesday has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza, marking the first confirmed case of the virus in a mammal on the Australian mainland — and the first such mammal death recorded on the last continent previously untouched by H5N1.
The discovery follows broader outbreaks across the country. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced three mass mortality events on offshore islands involving more than 1,000 greater crested terns, while a little penguin on Kangaroo Island also tested positive. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Australia has now recorded 298 avian influenza events nationally, with 183 in South Australia alone.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society urged the federal government to establish a $200 million wildlife resilience fund for threatened species. Separately, the government launched a vaccination programme to shield vulnerable bird populations from extinction.