An H5 bird flu outbreak is reported after a confirmed case is detected in an Australian pelican in South Australia. ABC Australia reports that a pelican carries the virus for the first time, while another suspected case is reported in a sea lion off the Victor Harbor coast.
Other outlets describe similar developments. The West Australian and PerthNow both report that an Australian pelican is confirmed with bird flu and that another sea lion is affected. PerthNow also notes that another sea lion dies, while ABC Australia characterizes the second animal as a suspected case. Across reports, the pelican confirmation raises questions about how far the virus could spread given the species’ mobility.
Authorities’ responses, including testing, surveillance and any restrictions, are not detailed in the excerpts provided. The common thread is the identification of H5 bird flu in wildlife in the same South Australian coastal area, with a second marine mammal case under investigation or reported as deceased depending on the outlet.
