Australia reports first H5N1 bird flu case in a seal amidst growing outbreak

Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a mammal after the virus was detected in a dead long-nosed fur seal in South Australia, authorities said.

The seal was found near the coastal town of Beachport, about 310 kilometres south of Adelaide. Officials said the animal showed no signs of injury and its death did not appear to be linked to other sick or dead marine mammals.

The discovery marks a new stage in Australia’s bird flu outbreak, which began after H5N1 was detected in the country in June and later spread among wild bird populations.

Wildlife losses increase

Australia recorded its first mass seabird deaths from the virus earlier this month, after H5N1 was detected among greater crested terns off the coast of South Australia.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins warned that significant wildlife losses become difficult to avoid.

“Once the H5 bird flu is spreading in the natural environment it is not possible to avoid significant losses,” Collins said.

South Australia’s chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean said seals are particularly vulnerable because they live close to wild birds, where they can be exposed to high levels of the virus.

“They would be coming across, no doubt, really high levels of the virus in their environment,” Fruean said.

Australia expands response

Australia was the last continent to report bird flu, although the virus was detected in late 2025 on the sub-Antarctic Heard Island, where more than 13,000 baby seals were reportedly killed by the virus.

The federal government said H5N1 has not been detected in Australia’s poultry or agricultural industries, with 297 cases confirmed nationwide as of Friday.

• H5N1 bird flu kills dozens of seabirds as Australia warns of wider wildlife spread

Authorities have also announced plans to vaccinate vulnerable native birds, focusing initially on priority species in captivity.

The government said the vaccination programme aims to protect species most at risk, while acknowledging that stopping the spread of H5N1 among wild birds is not possible.

H5N1 can infect humans who come into contact with infected animals, but health officials say the risk to the wider population remains low.

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