Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in native mammal

CANBERRA, Australia — Authorities in South Australia have confirmed the country's first case of H5N1 bird flu in a native mammal, detected in a long-nosed fur seal found at a coastal town about 310 kilometers southeast of Adelaide. Health officials said the discovery marks the first time the virus has been confirmed in an Australian native mammal. The infected animal was located in Beachport, a coastal town in the state's southeast, according to South Australian authorities. The H5N1 virus had previously been detected in various bird species in the region, but the latest finding is the first confirmed case in a mammal. Australia has been dealing with a rise in highly pathogenic bird flu cases since the virus reached the country in June. State officials said the new detection shows the virus has now spread to native mammals in the area. No further details on the animal's condition or response measures were immediately available.