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Australia confirms first sea lion death from H5 bird flu

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 10:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Environment Minister Emily Bourke confirmed the first Australian sea lion death from H5 bird flu.
The lion died at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, home to about 800 sea lions.
Scientists estimate fewer than 10,000 Australian sea lions remain, 85% of them in South Australia.
John Woinarski warned the virus could quickly spread to other colonies, noting no vaccine exists.

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Story summary

Environment Minister Emily Bourke confirmed the first Australian sea lion death from H5 bird flu.
The lion died at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, home to about 800 sea lions.
Scientists estimate fewer than 10,000 Australian sea lions remain, 85% of them in South Australia.
John Woinarski warned the virus could quickly spread to other colonies, noting no vaccine exists.