20/06/2026
Heartbreaking news from Heard Island 💔
A new study has confirmed that bird flu (H5N1) has caused mass mortality of southern elephant seals.
Across the island, researchers estimate over 13,000 pups were lost, with 97% of pups recorded dead in the worst-hit harem (social and mating group).
This sub-Antarctic Australian island is home to over a million breeding seals and seabirds, and is now the latest frontline in the global spread of bird flu, which has already wreaked havoc on marine mammals and seabirds worldwide.
Scientists have warned that the virus could soon reach mainland Australia, threatening iconic species like Australian sea lions, seabirds, penguins, and other endemic wildlife.
Today, the first suspected case has been found in Western Australia in a single migratory bird. Further testing will be undertaken to confirm that the sick bird is carrying H5N1 bird flu.
This news reinforces the importance of the Federal Government’s ongoing funding to increase Australia’s bird flu preparedness.
