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First Australian mainland mammal dies from bird flu H5N1

Long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport South Australia marks first H5N1 infection in an Australian mainland mammal.

Why it mattersAustralia's endangered sea lions and fur seals could face extinction. If H5N1 spreads through these marine populations like it has overseas, the risk becomes very real.

AustraliaThe Australian sea lion (fewer than 12,000 animals, 85% in South Australia) is already endangered; H5N1 infected birds have been found near sea lion breeding sites at Seal Bay and The Pages, putting the species at critical risk.

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