Bird flu suspected in seal at key Australian breeding ground

Authorities in South Australia are investigating a suspected case of H5 bird flu in a long-nosed fur seal. The detection occurred at The Pages Conservation Park, a significant breeding site for the endangered Australian sea lion.

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The samples from new suspect events have been sent to ACDP for confirmatory testing, with results expected to be known in the coming days.

This follows the confirmation of Australia's first mammal case of the virus in a seal found dead at Beachport last week. The Pages islands are currently experiencing a mass mortality event among birds, presumed to be caused by the H5 strain.

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We've been saying for some time we're likely to see mass mortalities of birds and mammals.

The Invasive Species Council has warned that the disease could pose an "extinction level" threat to the Australian sea lion colonies if it spreads. Samples from the new suspected case have been sent for confirmatory testing, with results expected in the coming days.

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I know it's a distressing thing for Australians to hear but we need to be realistic.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt described the situation as a "very serious development" but acknowledged it was "not unexpected." He stated that mass mortalities in both birds and mammals are likely to continue, urging realism about the ongoing situation.

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We are likely to see more mass mortalities.