H5N1 alert in Australia! Avian flu detected for the first time in a mammal.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 was detected for the first time in a mammal in Australia. Tests on a long‑nose fur seal found in the Beachport area of South Australia confirmed the presence of the virus.

The case detected in a coastal area about 300 kilometres south of Adelaide became the first recorded H5N1 case in a mammal in the country.

Statement from the Ministry: 'Alarming'

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins described the case as 'alarming'. Collins said that in regions where infection rates in wild birds are high, marine mammals could also face the risk of H5N1.

Officials said there was no link between the infection found in the seal and any other sick or dead marine mammals.

Source of the virus under investigation

It is being assessed that the seal may have become infected through contact with H5N1‑carrying wild birds or the areas where those birds are found.

State officials say that the bird‑flu cases among wild birds,"destructive dimensions"while stating that it had reached "destructive dimensions", it described the appearance of the virus in the seal as an expected development.

It was stated that there is currently no effective method to completely stop the disease or halt its spread.

Cases Rising in Australia

It was reported that the state government is continuing its work in coordination with the federal government under the national vaccination program.

The first suspected case of H5N1 in Australia was identified on June 19. On July 29, it was determined that the virus had spread locally among wild birds, and on August 3 the first mass death case among wild birds was recorded.

The new case detected in the focus area drew attention because it was the first time H5N1 had been found in a mammal in Australia.