π¦ Australia confirms first H5N1 in mammal
Australia confirmed its first mainland case of H5N1 in a dead long-nosed fur seal at Beachport, South Australia. This Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus primarily infects wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry. The virus, which has global outbreaks, has severe zoonotic potential for cross-species transmission. Human infections are rare but have shown approximately 50% fatality in reported cases. Further monitoring is expected as the virus adapts to mammalian hosts.