H5N1禽流感已在澳大利亚袋鼠岛海狮湾被检测到[1]。这一发现令人担忧，因为该地点是濒危澳洲海狮的关键繁殖地，全球该物种约5%的种群——约12,000只动物——生活在此[1]。
为应对疫情，当局已暂停海滩旅游，但木栈道旅游仍然开放[1]。海洋专家正在评估保护措施，包括考虑为幼崽治疗钩虫感染以增强其抵抗力，以及试验哺乳动物禽流感疫苗的可行性[1]。Wayne Boardman博士指出："现在的问题是禽流感在海狮湾被发现，它几乎肯定会从鸟类传播到海狮"[1]。
H5N1 avian influenza has been detected at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island in Australia, posing a significant risk to one of the world's most vulnerable seal populations.[1] The location is a critical breeding ground for the endangered Australian sea lion, with approximately 5 percent of the global species—around 12,000 animals—residing there.[1] According to Dr. Wayne Boardman, "The question now is that bird flu has been found in Seal Bay, and it will almost certainly transmit from birds to sea lions."[1]
In response to the detection, authorities have suspended beach tourism at the site, though boardwalk tours remain open.[1] Marine specialists are evaluating protective interventions, which may include treating young seals for hookworm infections and testing mammalian avian flu vaccines as potential conservation measures.[1]