0 reactions
🦭 A long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport, South Australia, has tested positive for H5 bird flu, the first confirmed mainland Australian mammal case.
The death follows mass seabird mortality events on offshore South Australian islands involving more than 1,000 greater crested terns. Authorities said the seal was found without signs of injury and was probably exposed to infected wild birds or a shared environment.
The case raises concern for marine mammals: long-nosed fur seals and the endangered Australian sea lion have been assessed as at very high risk. Australia had recorded 297 positive wildlife events by 21 August, although the government now counts events rather than individual animals. 🌊
Federal authorities say the risk to human health remains low and report no detections in poultry or the wider agriculture industry. People should avoid handling sick or dead birds or other animals and report clusters to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. 🐦
https://nutanica.com/H5_bird_flu
The death follows mass seabird mortality events on offshore South Australian islands involving more than 1,000 greater crested terns. Authorities said the seal was found without signs of injury and was probably exposed to infected wild birds or a shared environment.
The case raises concern for marine mammals: long-nosed fur seals and the endangered Australian sea lion have been assessed as at very high risk. Australia had recorded 297 positive wildlife events by 21 August, although the government now counts events rather than individual animals. 🌊
Federal authorities say the risk to human health remains low and report no detections in poultry or the wider agriculture industry. People should avoid handling sick or dead birds or other animals and report clusters to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. 🐦
https://nutanica.com/H5_bird_flu
| 1,000 mlx | |
| 1 | |
| 0 |