Avian influenza H5N1 detected in multiple Australian mammal species

The Global Virus Network is monitoring the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) among various mammal species in Australia. Following the virus's appearance in the country's wildlife, several detections have been confirmed in a short period.

Key detections include an endangered Australian sea lion at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, as well as long-nosed fur seals in South Australia. Other affected species include red foxes in metropolitan Adelaide and Normanville, and a common dolphin at Goolwa.

While H5N1 has been increasingly detected in mammals globally—including dairy cattle, cats, and marine mammals—Australian authorities report no current evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission within the country. Researchers are now prioritizing genomic analysis to monitor for mutations that could indicate better adaptation to mammalian hosts.