Bird flu has claimed its first Australian sea lion and dolphin. How does the virus get into these animals?

Sep 16, 2026

A rare Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) on Kangaroo Island has been confirmed to have died from highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu. The sea lion had recently been attacked by a shark, weakening it. Testing revealed that the virus caused its death. Another dead sea lion is being tested.