Australia has just 12,000 sea lions left
Virus has already caused catastrophic losses in seals in South America and sub-Antarctica, particularly among pups
TL;DR
- H5 bird flu has been detected in long-nosed fur seals in South Australia, the first case in a mainland mammal.
- Scientists fear the virus could cause 'carnage' and significant conservation impacts, especially for the endangered Australian sea lion.
- Similar outbreaks in South America and sub-Antarctica have caused catastrophic losses in seal and sea lion populations, particularly pups.
- Australian sea lions have a very small population, with experts estimating fewer than 10,000 to 12,000 individuals.
- Seals and sea lions are vulnerable due to large colony sizes, overlapping with infected seabirds, and potential environmental contamination.
- H5N1 can transmit from birds to seals and between seals, facilitating rapid spread.
- Australia is investigating potential vaccination opportunities for high-priority at-risk mammals.
- The arrival of bird flu follows environmental harm from algal blooms, potentially weakening seal populations and making them more vulnerable.