Australia is now confronting an outbreak of a deadly bird flu strain. As of Monday, the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus had been detected in 78
H5N1 has caused major pinniped mortality in South America, including at least 30,000 sea lions and over 17,000 southern elephant seal pups. Australiaβs expanding outbreak could threaten vulnerable marine mammals. Priorities include surveillance, testing, carcass removal, strict biosecurity, and public reporting of sick or dead wildlife.

















