First mammal infected with bird flu in Australia as 'devastating virus' spreads beyond birdlife

Australia has recorded its first instance of bird flu infecting a mammal, a concerning development as the deadly H5 virus continues its spread beyond avian populations. A long-nosed fur seal at Beachport in South Australia tested positive for the H5 bird flu strain, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

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Although this is a concerning development, it is not unexpected for us to start to see infection in other wildlife, particularly in marine mammals, particularly in areas where there are high infection rates in wild birds.

This marks the first confirmed case of the virus in a mammal on Australian shores and is suspected to have been contracted from wild birds. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins acknowledged the distressing nature of the finding but noted it was not entirely unexpected. "Although this is a concerning development, it is not unexpected for us to start to see infection in other wildlife, particularly in marine mammals, particularly in areas where there are high infection rates in wild birds," she stated.

The spread of the virus is particularly worrying given the potential for mammal-to-mammal transmission. Jack Gough, chief executive of the Invasive Species Council, highlighted findings from South America and Antarctica where seal-to-seal transmission led to high mortality rates, especially among pups. "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," Gough warned.

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We know from South America and Antarctica that mammal-to-mammal transmission among seals quickly led to high mortality rates, particularly among pups.

This event follows a notable increase in bird fatalities since the virus was first detected in Australia in June. South Australia has reported the highest number of confirmed cases, with 182 positive detections, followed by Victoria (86), Western Australia (10), New South Wales (11), and Tasmania (9). Importantly, no cases have been identified in agricultural settings, and the health risk to humans is considered low. The public is advised to report any sick-looking birds to authorities and to avoid approaching or touching them.

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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.