Sydney, Aug. 23 (SANA) Australia on Sunday confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case in a mammal after the virus was detected in a long-nosed fur seal found dead in Beachport, South Australia.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the seal was found without visible injuries and its death did not appear linked to illness or deaths among other marine mammals, according to the Australian News Agency.
Collins warned that the virus spreading in the natural environment could cause significant wildlife losses.
The case comes amid increasing H5N1 infections among wild birds, with mass seabird deaths recorded in South Australia.
Authorities have confirmed hundreds of cases among birds, while no infections have been detected in poultry or livestock. The risk to human health remains low, according to Australian health and veterinary authorities.
The virus reached Australia this year through migratory birds, prompting increased wildlife monitoring for its possible spread to other species.
I.Z/MF
