A common dolphin in South Australia has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, marking the second native mammal species in the country to contract the virus. According to the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the animal was found dead near Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This development follows previous H5N1 detections in long-nosed fur seals and a red fox.
H5N1 Spread in South Australian Marine Mammals
The common dolphin’s infection is a significant escalation in the local spread of H5N1. A spokesperson for South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions stated that while dolphins would not commonly eat birds, interaction between the species is not unusual. Samples from the dolphin were sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for further analysis.
The federal government’s risk assessment currently rates common dolphins as high risk from bird flu. Officials warn that the virus could lead to severe population declines where the virus takes hold. This case adds to a growing list of mammalian infections in the region, which includes detections in long-nosed fur seals at Beachport and the Pages Islands, as well as a case in a red fox – a feral pest species – near Port Adelaide.
Did you know? Over 13,000 deceased southern elephant seal pups were identified via drone surveys on Australia’s Heard Island during 2025 and 2026.
Psychosocial Risks Prompt Evacuation of Macquarie Island
The federal government is withdrawing 24 expeditioners based at the research station on Macquarie Island to protect them from the “psychosocial risk” of witnessing potential mass seal deaths from H5N1 during the upcoming seal breeding season. While bird flu had not yet been detected on the island, the site is home to large elephant seal populations close to station buildings.
Sean Sullivan, the department’s deputy secretary, described the move as an unusual measure, but is the most appropriate course of action, based on our assessments of risk, and operational realities. Sullivan noted that while the risk to humans remains low, the psychological stress of living near potentially large numbers of affected animals is a significant workplace impact.
Mass Mortality Events in Tasmania
In Tasmania, the state government reported that wildlife monitoring efforts uncovered approximately 100 dead little penguins at Stokes Point, located at the southern end of King Island. Brendon Clark, north-west regional manager for the state’s parks and wildlife service, confirmed that injuries were identified on many of the birds.
According to the natural resources and environment department, the decayed state of the birds made them unsuitable for H5 bird flu testing. Consequently, authorities were working to assess the circumstances surrounding the discovery and determine whether any further management actions are required, though monitoring of the site continues.
Vaccination Trials and Testing Shifts
The New South Wales government also shared its intention to vaccinate wild little penguin populations at Barunguba Montague Island and Manly. Additionally, initial vaccinations were administered this week at Taronga zoo for trial cohorts of certain captive birds, including red-tailed black cockatoos, Carnaby’s black cockatoos, and little penguins.
South Australia is also decentralizing its diagnostic process. On Friday, the SA government announced it would begin confirming H5 bird flu cases within the state using local laboratories. Previously, results from state-based tests had to be verified by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.
Expert Insight: The state government indicated that H5N1 cases can now be confirmed locally thanks to enhancements in its testing procedures.
Comparison of H5N1 Impacts by Region
| Region | Affected Species | Current Action |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | Common dolphin, fur seals, red fox | Localizing lab testing |
| Tasmania | Little penguins (suspected) | Site monitoring/assessment |
| New South Wales | Little penguins, cockatoos | Wild and captive vaccinations |
| Heard Island | Southern elephant seal pups | Drone surveillance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H5N1 bird flu dangerous to humans?
While the risk to humans remains low, officials note they can’t ignore the psychosocial risks of living near potentially large numbers of affected animals.
Why were researchers removed from Macquarie Island?
The decision was based on the psychosocial risk and potential mass seal deaths from H5N1 during the upcoming seal breeding season, which could expose expeditioners to prolonged psychological stress and other workplace impacts.
Can dolphins catch bird flu?
Yes. A spokesperson for SA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions noted that while dolphins would not commonly eat birds, it is not unusual for them to sometimes interact, and there is evidence of dolphins and porpoises catching H5 bird flu overseas.
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