A common dolphin has died from H5 bird flu in South Australia, making it the second native mammal species known to have contracted the virus in the state. The dolphin was found deceased near Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and state tests confirmed H5N1.
This follows earlier detections of H5 bird flu in long-nosed fur seals in South Australia and a red fox. The federal government's risk assessment indicates common dolphins are at high risk from bird flu, potentially facing severe population declines.
In a separate development, the Australian federal government announced it would withdraw 24 expeditioners from the Macquarie Island research station. This decision is based on the “psychosocial risk” of researchers witnessing potential mass seal deaths from H5N1 during the upcoming breeding season, despite the virus not yet being detected on the island.
Sean Sullivan, deputy secretary of the department, stated that while the risk to humans remains low, the potential for a significant mortality event could lead to prolonged psychological stress for expeditioners. The government is exploring options for monitoring the situation on Macquarie Island with a view to returning researchers in future seasons.
The South Australian government also announced it would begin confirming H5 bird flu cases through local laboratories, improving on previous processes that required verification by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.