Sea lion pup among four contracting H5 bird flu in South Australia
Four sea lions, including a pup, tested positive for H5 bird flu on South Australian islands.
South Australia's endangered sea lion population is being hit by H5 bird flu. Three adult sea lions and one pup tested positive on the North and South Page islands.
The North and South Page islands are key breeding grounds between the SA mainland and Kangaroo Island. Five sea lions total have now tested positive for the virus.
One case was found at Seal Bay last week. The islands also experienced a mass death with about 900 crested terns found dead.
Experts worry the virus could devastate the already endangered sea lion population. The state government is working on vaccine trials for mammals and birds.
Trials at Cleland Wildlife Park are already underway.
- 4 (3 adults, 1 pup)
- Sea lions tested positive
- 5
- Total SA cases
- about 900
- Crested terns dead
- North Page and South Page islands
- Location
Why it mattersAn internationally endangered species is catching a deadly virus with no proven control. This puts a small population at serious risk.
AustraliaSouth Australia's sea lions face potential population collapse, raising alarm for the state's marine wildlife and tourism.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 d ago
