# Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in a mammal

https://mins.news/en/item/29644

- DW, 2026-08-23 06:58 UTC
- Health
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/australia-confirms-h5n1-bird-flu-case-in-local-mammal/a-78473874?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Australia has confirmed its first H5N1 infection in a mammal after finding the virus in a dead long-nosed fur seal at Beachport in South Australia. Authorities called the spread to wildlife concerning but not unexpected. The government said the virus has not reached poultry or agriculture and reported 297 confirmed cases as of Friday.

## Related coverage

- [Fur seal death marks first Australian mainland mammal fatality from H5 bird flu](https://mins.news/en/item/29545) — The Guardian, 2026-08-23
- [Australia vaccinates little penguins against bird flu](https://mins.news/en/video/28260) — Reuters, 2026-08-21