A common dolphin has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu as the number of infections in South Australia surges. <\/p>\n
An additional 46 positive cases of the deadly disease were reported since Thursday \u2013 including a common dolphin found dead at Goolwa. <\/p>\n
The majority of new cases were in the migratory greater crested tern, as well as in a number of native brown falcons, black-faced cormorant, and little penguin. <\/p>\n
South Australian officials said discovery of the dolphin was a \u201ca new development in Australia\u201d, with dolphin and porpoises having contracted bird in overseas outbreaks.<\/p>\n
A red fox also tested positive.<\/p>\n
Addressing the media, South Australia\u2019s chief veterinary officer Dr Skye Fruean said the dolphin had been reported after it was found dead on the beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cLab analysis, including full post-mortem, is not yet complete,\u201d Dr Fruean said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, we did find that it (the dolphin) had high levels of virus in the brain, which would be consistent with what we\u2019d expect from a case of bird flu\u201d.<\/p>\n
Dr Fruean said they did not expect a mass mortality event among dolphins. <\/p>\n
Instead, officials were primarily concerned with other mammals such as seals and sealions which \u201ccongregate closely and pave the potential for large numbers to get infected at once\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe may see more dolphin cases, it is possible. But, I would expect them to be smaller numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Fruean said dolphins did not typically eat birds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey would typically eat fish. But, they sometimes do or they might just be playing around and interacting in that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since June, South Australia has now confirmed 249 cases of bird flu, the most of any state or territory.<\/p>\n
It comes as dozens of Australians are to be evacuated from Macquarie Island over a potential outbreak of the deadly H5 bird flu virus this spring.<\/p>\n
Twenty-four tradies, scientists and support staff are stationed at Macquarie Island, located in the Southern Ocean about 1500km southeast of Tasmania.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s icebreaking research and supply vessel, RSV Nuyina, will travel to the island in the next two months to evacuate the Australians and essential cargo.<\/p>\n
The island is home to large elephant seal populations, with thousands of elephant seal pups born each spring that live close to research station buildings.<\/p>\n
Scientists fear there is a high chance of a significant mortality event on Macquarie Island during this year\u2019s breeding season, even though H5 bird flu has not been detected there yet.<\/p>\n
Elephant seals are susceptible to H5 bird flu, with a 90 per cent mortality rate seen in pups on other sub-Antarctic Australian territories at Heard Island and McDonald Island.<\/p>\n
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Deputy Secretary Sean Sullivan said it was an unusual measure but it was the most appropriate course of action based on their risk assessments. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur first priority is the health and safety of our expeditioners,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the risk to humans of H5 bird flu is considered low, we can\u2019t ignore the psychosocial risks of living near potentially large numbers of affected animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur expeditioners already live and work in one of the world\u2019s most remote and challenging environments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important that we minimise any additional risks that could affect their wellbeing and the safe operation of our stations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Sullivan said the Australian Antarctic Division was exploring options for monitoring the situation on Macquarie Island, with a view to returning expeditioners to the station in coming seasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe remain committed to maintaining a long-term presence on Macquarie Island,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n