Australia has just 12,000 sea lions left – and ‘carnage’ may await them as bird flu takes hold, scientists warn

Scientists warn H5 bird flu could cause 'carnage' among Australia's seals and sea lions after a long-nosed fur seal in South Australia became the nation's first confirmed mammal case. A second suspected case was found off Kangaroo Island, with CSIRO testing pending.

The virus has already caused catastrophic losses among pinnipeds in South America and the sub-Antarctic, especially pups. Australia has only about 12,000 sea lions left, making the species particularly vulnerable.

Mammal scientist John Woinarski fears a serious conservation impact, with Australian sea lions especially at risk given their small population. A spread of bird flu into pinnipeds could endanger unique Australian wildlife populations.