Thousands of baby seals died on two remote sub-Antarctic islands. Scientists now think they know why

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   H5N1 Bird Flu Kills 13,000 Seal Pups on Heard Island

   The H5N1 virus has killed more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups on Heard Island. The outbreak also affected seabirds and penguins on the sub-Antarctic territory. Testing confirms the presence of the deadly strain on the volcanic island.

   What's confirmed:

   • More than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups died from the H5N1 virus on Heard Island.
   • The virus also killed penguins and seabirds on remote islands near Antarctica.
   • Heard Island is a sub-Antarctic volcanic island located about 4,000km south-west of Perth.
   confidence 100%
2. 2d ago

   Australia Confirms First Mainland H5N1 Bird Flu Case

   Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu, with the agriculture minister noting it is the first on the mainland. This detection means the virus has now reached every continent. Separately, research indicates bird flu killed more than 75% of baby seals on a remote Australian island.

   What's confirmed:

   • Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu.
   • The agriculture minister confirmed the first mainland case of H5N1 bird flu.
   • H5 bird flu has now reached every continent.
   • Bird flu killed more than 75% of baby seals on a remote Australian island.
   • More than 13,000 seal pups died on a remote Australian island during a bird flu outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Scientists have finalized H5 bird flu findings from voyages to Heard Island and McDonald Island.
   • Thousands of baby seals died on two remote sub-Antarctic islands.
   confidence 95%