First mammal infected with bird flu in Australia as 'devastating virus' spreads beyond birdlife

Australia has recorded its first case of bird flu in a mammal. A long-nosed fur seal at Beachport in South Australia tested positive for the H5 strain on Sunday, the first mammal confirmed case in the country. It is thought the seal caught the virus from wild birds after a rise in bird deaths since June. Officials called it a worrying but not wholly unexpected step in the spread.

The H5 bird flu has been hitting wild bird groups around Australia for months. The virus Usually mainly harms birds, but it can sometimes cross into mammals. Officials say it is not a surprise to see it reach a seal where wild bird numbers are high. The Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, said the step is distressing but not a fully unknown event. Scientists are watching to see how far the virus can reach.

This first seal case shows bird flu can cross into new species. Farms, vets and wildlife carers must watch closely to avoid a wider spread.