Kangaroo Island's sea lion population threatened by H5N1 bird flu

Marine experts are urgently assessing how to protect Kangaroo Island's vulnerable sea lion population from the H5N1 bird flu. The virus has now been detected at Seal Bay, a critical breeding ground for the species.

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The issue now with bird flu being found on Seal Bay is that it's almost certainly going to go from the birds into the sea lions.

Wayne Boardman, from Adelaide University's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, expressed grave concern. "The issue now with bird flu being found on Seal Bay is that it's almost certainly going to go from the birds into the sea lions," he stated. Historical events in South America have shown that sea lions and fur seals are particularly susceptible to this virus.

Approximately 5% of the global sea lion population resides at Seal Bay, totaling around 12,000 animals. Experts worry about the potential impact of the highly pathogenic and virulent virus on this concentrated population. Boardman noted that animals already weakened by common infections like hookworm, which causes anemia and weakness in pups, could be even more vulnerable.

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We've known from historical events in South America that sea lions and fur seals and the southern elephant seals down in Heard Island are particularly susceptible to this virus.

Interventions are being debated. One strategy involves treating pups for hookworm, but Boardman cautioned that it's a "contentious question." It's uncertain if this treatment would bolster their ability to fight off the bird flu, and the disturbance caused by treatment must be weighed against potential benefits. Another possibility is a mammalian bird flu vaccine, currently being trialed in the United States for northern elephant seals. However, Boardman stressed that extensive steps would be needed before considering its use, questioning "At what point do you say we need to risk it versus we've got animals that are dying left, right and centre?"

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This hookworm infection is passed on from the mother to the baby via the milk, and so as they get this hookworm infestation it causes anaemia and general weakness.

Authorities have already taken one protective measure by temporarily pausing beach tours at Seal Bay to minimize disturbance and potential transmission risks to the sea lion colony.

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In the face of another virus coming or a virus coming into this sort of situation, then you know those animals that are particularly weak or a bit under condition might be even more susceptible.