World Aug 24, 2026 · 1 min read

Australia has just 12,000 sea lions left – and ‘carnage’ may await them as bird flu takes hold, scientists warn

Virus has already caused catastrophic losses in pinnipeds in South America and sub-Antarctica, particularly among pupsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastScientists have warned deadly H5 bird flu could cause “carnage” for Australia’s seal and sea lion populations after detecti...

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The Guardian
by Lisa Cox Environment and climate correspondent
Australia has just 12,000 sea lions left – and ‘carnage’ may await them as bird flu takes hold, scientists warn

Virus has already caused catastrophic losses in pinnipeds in South America and sub-Antarctica, particularly among pups

Scientists have warned deadly H5 bird flu could cause “carnage” for Australia’s seal and sea lion populations after detection of the virus in long-nosed fur seals in South Australia.

SA confirmed Australia’s first case in a mammal on Saturday after a dead long-nosed fur seal found at Beachport on the Limestone Coast tested positive for H5N1.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Lisa Cox Environment and climate correspondent.

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