A common dolphin found deceased near Goolwa on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula has tested positive for H5N1, marking the second native mammal species in the country confirmed to carry the virus. State authorities conducted testing and sent samples to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for additional analysis. The discovery follows earlier detections in long-nosed fur seals at two South Australian locations and a case in a red fox, a feral species, near Port Adelaide.
In Tasmania, approximately 100 dead little penguins were discovered at Stokes Point on King Island during routine wildlife monitoring activities. State officials classified the deaths as a mass mortality event, though the specific cause remains undetermined. Authorities indicated the birds were unsuitable for H5 bird flu testing due to advanced decomposition. Regional managers noted that while some birds showed visible injuries, definitive determination of the cause of death was not possible with available information, and monitoring of the site would continue.
The Australian federal government announced plans to withdraw 24 researchers stationed at Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean, citing psychosocial risks associated with potential mass mortality events among elephant seal populations during the upcoming breeding season. Although H5 bird flu has not yet been detected on the island, expert assessments predicted high likelihood of significant seal deaths. Government officials stated that while human risk from the virus remains low, exposure to large numbers of affected animals could create prolonged psychological stress for expeditioners working in one of the world’s most remote environments. The decision was informed by observations from nearby Heard Island, where drone surveys documented over 13,000 dead southern elephant seal pups in recent years.
State and federal authorities announced additional measures to address the outbreak. South Australia indicated it would begin confirming H5 bird flu cases through local laboratories rather than requiring external verification. New South Wales announced vaccination initiatives for wild little penguin populations at two locations, with captive bird populations at Taronga Zoo having received initial vaccine doses. Officials stated they are exploring monitoring options for Macquarie Island with intentions to potentially return researchers in coming seasons.
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