Bird flu kills endangered sea lion on Kangaroo Island
First H5 bird flu death in Australian sea lion found at Seal Bay; fewer than 12,000 remain.
A dead Australian sea lion found at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island tested positive for H5 bird flu, the first confirmed death in the endangered species. The animal had been recovering from a shark attack when the virus killed it.
Fewer than 12,000 Australian sea lions remain worldwide, with 85% in South Australian waters. Seal Bay alone holds about 800.
The population was already shrinking by 2% each year before bird flu arrived. Scientists fear the virus will spread rapidly and cause devastating losses, citing examples where similar outbreaks wiped out 75% to 95% of other seal populations.
The government is exploring vaccine trials with federal support.
- fewer than 12,000
- Global population
- 2% per year
- Annual decline rate
- about 800 sea lions
- Seal Bay colony
- 85% in South Australia
- Population concentration
Why it mattersBird flu now threatens one of Australia's rarest seals during a critical population recovery window.
AustraliaSouth Australia's sea lion colonies face a new extinction risk; state seeking federal vaccine trial approval.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
