A dead common dolphin that washed ashore at Encounter Bay on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula has tested positive for H5 bird flu, according to state authorities.
South Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean noted that the dolphin likely encountered an infected wild bird by chance. While the risk of a widespread outbreak among dolphins is considered low, officials maintain concerns for land-based marine mammals such as seals and sea lions.
The discovery brings South Australia's total to 340 positive H5 bird flu events, which track confirmed positive tests affecting at least one animal of a species in a specific location. Although detections continue consistently, Dr Fruean reported a slowdown in frequency and no recent signs of mass mortality, though crested tern populations have experienced significant impacts.
In response to the broader virus spread, vaccination efforts are progressing across captive populations at Cleland Wildlife Park and Zoos SA facilities. Additionally, the federal government has confirmed vaccine allocations to support a forthcoming immunization program for wild little penguin colonies on Granite Island, Penneshaw, and Emu Bay, with operational preparations currently underway.
