Image: Kangaroo Island
A second long-nosed fur seal is being tested for H5 bird flu in South Australia, just one day after authorities confirmed Australia’s first detection of the virus in a mammal.
The latest suspect case involves a long-nosed fur seal at The Pages Conservation Park, an offshore conservation area in the southern Fleurieu region.
It is one of five new suspected H5 bird flu events reported by the South Australian Government on Monday, August 24, with samples now sent to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) for confirmatory testing.
The development follows confirmation on Sunday that a long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport on August 19 had tested positive for H5 bird flu, marking the first confirmed detection in a mammal in Australia during the current outbreak.
There have been no new confirmed H5 bird flu events since Sunday, with South Australia’s total remaining at 194 confirmed events.
Along with the fur seal at The Pages Conservation Park, the latest suspected cases include a greater crested tern at Osborne in metropolitan Adelaide, two greater crested tern events in the Coorong and a white-fronted tern at Carpenter Rocks on the Limestone Coast.
The five new cases bring the number of suspect H5 bird flu events in South Australia to 27, with results expected in the coming days.
Authorities have now conducted 1,856 tests since January 1, 2026, while the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline has received 6,811 reports since June 20.
South Australia recently changed the way it reports H5 bird flu detections in line with national protocols. Figures are now recorded as “events” rather than individual animals, with a single event potentially involving one or more animals.
Despite the continuing detections among wildlife, authorities say there are still no confirmed H5 bird flu cases in poultry or other livestock in South Australia, and the risk to human health remains low.
The State Government is continuing surveillance and engagement with primary industries, wildlife organisations and communities across the state.
South Australians are being urged not to touch sick or dead birds or other wildlife. Instead, people should record what they see and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Community information sessions are also continuing, including a forum at Golden Grove/Wynn Vale tonight, Monday, August 24, and another at Port MacDonnell on Thursday, August 27.
For current event locations, reporting advice and further information, click here.
