How bird flu could spread among Australia's mammals, and what it means for your pets

On Friday, Australia's chief veterinary officer, Beth Cookson, said H5 bird flu had been confirmed in a red fox found in metropolitan Adelaide, marking the first in a land mammal in Australia. A dead dolphin found on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula also tested positive this week, days after a long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport became the country's first mainland mammal case. Bird flu has been detected in many different mammals on other continents, including cats and dogs, farm animals, dolphins, seals, foxes, tigers, leopards and polar bears. Infected birds spread the virus through droppings, feathers and other bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted via contaminated clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles. Under favourable conditions, the virus can survive in the environment for months, Australian government authorities have said.