Bird flu H5 confirmed in sea lion in South Australia
In the state of South Australia, the Department of Primary Industries has confirmed the first detection of H5 bird flu in the state in an Australian sea lion. The animal was found at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island. This is the first confirmed detection of the virus in a member of this species in the state.
ABC update
According to ABC News Australia, information about the case was released on September 13, 2026. At the time of publication, the outlet noted that the journalist was gathering and verifying additional details, which were planned to be released in an update.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Sea lion population
The total population of Australian sea lions is estimated at fewer than 10,000 individuals. About 85% of these animals live in South Australia, while the remaining 15% live in Western Australia.
Last month, the virus was detected in a long-nosed fur seal in southeastern South Australia. That case was the first positive detection of the virus in a mammal in Australia.
