✓ SBS AustraliaScience & Systems

Bird flu jumps to Australian mammals: fox, seal, dolphin confirmed infected

H5 bird flu has spread to Australian mammals. It was confirmed in a red fox near Adelaide. A dolphin on Fleurieu Peninsula also tested positive. So did a long-nosed fur seal at Beachport.

Why it mattersExperts fear the virus could devastate endangered species like Australian sea lions. A seal outbreak on Heard Island, an Australian sub-antarctic territory, wiped out 75 per cent of pups. The risk to human health remains low, but experts call for close monitoring of sea lion breeding sites.

AustraliaAustralians should avoid sick or dead wildlife, including birds and native animals. Endangered Australian sea lions could face severe harm if the virus reaches breeding colonies around Kangaroo Island.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago