Turning the Tide Newsletter – Summer 2025
Bird Flu Risk
Deadly bird flu can spread between mammals, meaning Australian sea lions, seals and dolphins are at risk.
New research provides the first strong evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission of the deadly H5N1 strain. The newly evolved bird flu strain caused ‘unprecedented’ mass deaths of elephant seals and sea lions since it reached South America and spread from north to south within six months.
The potential consequences of bird flu for Australia’s marine mammals are frightening.
Australia’s endemic sea lions are already endangered, with only about 12,000 remaining – far fewer than the 30,000 sea lions killed in South America.
This killer disease has also wiped out millions of birds around the world, including penguins in Antarctica. Our native birds could face a similar fate if the disease reaches Australia.
As the last continent free of this deadly virus, Australia must prepare now to prevent or minimise outbreaks among our vulnerable and unique species.
Call to Prepare
We need a coordinated, nation-wide monitoring plan, strong biosecurity measures for early detection. AMCS is working with Biodiversity Council, Invasive Species Council, BirdLife Australia and the Australian Land Conservation Alliance to call on the Government to:
- Establish a national wildlife preparedness taskforce, co-led by the Government together with experts to drive collaboration and preparation.
- Ensure that preparedness and response remains a priority for agriculture ministers.
- Scale up public communication to achieve this effectively.