Mongabay · Climate & nature

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to Marine Mammals and Wildlife in Australia

H5N1 avian influenza is rapidly spreading across southeastern Australia, affecting various wild bird species and now jumping to marine mammals and other wildlife.

Infected wild bird species, including little penguins, magpies, crested terns, and pelicans, are accelerating the transmission of H5N1 across Australia. Bird aggregations during breeding seasons are expected to further increase the spread to mammals.

In late August, H5N1 was detected in a red fox in Adelaide. While foxes may not directly spread the virus, scavenging pests can move infected carcasses, potentially spreading the virus across habitats.

In September, state authorities confirmed H5N1 in an Australian sea lion and a common dolphin. The critically endangered Australian sea lion was recovering from a shark attack when it succumbed to the virus.

Researchers are concerned about the speed at which dolphins are contracting the disease. The evolving H5N1 strain can invade a mammal's central nervous system, causing severe brain inflammation.

Marine mammals likely contract the virus from birds. Sick or dead seabirds can infect coastal breeding grounds when animals consume them or come into contact with bodily fluids or contaminated environments.

While stopping the spread is difficult, reducing its impact is possible. Safely removing carcasses is crucial to eliminate viral reservoirs and prevent further transmission to scavenging animals.

Volunteers are monitoring for dolphins exhibiting neurological symptoms. This strain of the virus poses a wide-ranging threat to entire ecosystems, necessitating efforts to protect wildlife.

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