Australia's CSIRO is currently testing a red fox for suspected H5N1 avian influenza infection, marking the agency's first land mammal test for the virus. Widespread outbreaks of avian flu across Australia put at risk local wildlife. Vulnerable creatures include an elephant seal in a Victorian focus area, with a case found in Merri-bek.
In South Dakota, avian flu has struck 77,700 birds, increasing the total four-year outbreak total to 8.1 million birds. Alongside these reported cases, experts warn that backyard bird feeding can turn into a superspreader.