A fur seal washed up at Beachport in South Australia in late August. Nothing appeared obviously wrong with the animal at first, but testing by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness confirmed H5 bird flu. It was the first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in a mammal in Australia, with authorities believing the infection was likely linked to exposure to infected wild birds or contaminated environments.

The Agriculture Minister said the development was concerning but not unexpected as the virus continues to circulate in wild birds. Wildlife experts have also warned that the virus could have a serious impact on seal populations, as has been seen in some overseas outbreaks.

It all started back in June with detections in migratory seabirds in Western Australia. Since then, the virus has been detected in wild birds across several states, with South Australia among the hardest-hit areas. More than a thousand greater crested terns have died on islands in South Australia, while little penguins and other native species have also been affected.

Authorities began catching and vaccinating little penguins on Phillip Island in mid-August. The vaccination requires two doses, so it is not practical to vaccinate every wild bird. Instead, the program is focused on protecting key populations and managed colonies considered particularly vulnerable. Hundreds of native species could be at risk as the virus continues to spread, although vaccination is only one part of the response.

Private veterinarians and wildlife carers are also facing increasing pressure, with new precautions for handling potentially infected birds and greater use of personal protective equipment. Veterinary and wildlife organisations have encouraged clinics to continue supporting affected wildlife while following appropriate biosecurity measures. The situation is placing significant physical and emotional pressure on those working on the frontline.

For everyone else, the advice is fairly simple: stay away from sick or dead birds and mammals, avoid touching them, note where they were found and report suspected cases through the appropriate emergency or wildlife authorities. Australia is now responding to the outbreak with surveillance, vaccination, testing and biosecurity measures, with the focus on acting quickly to limit its impact on wildlife.

Written by: Bimbita Kar

Graphics by: Pramit Hazra