Australia confirms first case of avian flu in a mammal in the country, in a fur seal.

Australian authorities have confirmed the country's first case of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in a mammal. The virus was detected in a sea lion discovered dead in the coastal town of Beachport, located approximately 310 kilometers south of Adelaide in South Australia. The animal exhibited no visible signs of external injury prior to its death.

This incident marks a significant development in the spread of the virus within Australia, following the country's first recorded case of avian influenza in a bird, which occurred in June. Health and wildlife officials are monitoring the situation as the virus continues to impact local fauna.