A long-nosed fur seal in South Australia has tested positive for bird flu, marking Australia’s first confirmed case of the virus in a mammal. The finding follows testing of the animal and indicates the disease can infect marine mammals.
WHO:Long-nosed fur seal
WHAT:Tests show the long-nosed fur seal is positive for bird flu.
WHEN:Reported Aug 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
WHERE:South Australia
WHY:The bird flu result was identified through testing of the seal.
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