Young whale to be tested for bird flu after washing up on South Australian beach
A juvenile whale carcass found on a South Australian beach is being tested for bird flu as part of ongoing monitoring efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause of death to determine if the H5 virus is spreading among marine mammals.
Why it matters
The potential spread of bird flu to marine mammals poses a significant ecological risk and raises concerns about wildlife health and biodiversity.
shares Share article The carcass of a juvenile whale that washed up on a beach south of Adelaide will be tested for signs of bird flu , authorities have confirmed.
Authorities were quickly notified after it was discovered on the shore of Dump Beach in Victor Harbor on Thursday morning.
The whale has been taken away for testing to see if it was infected with bird flu. Anthony Rowland
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water confirmed the whale, believed to be a baby minke, was undergoing testing for bird flu, which has been seen in mammals in recent weeks.
“Rangers did not detect any external injuries. The carcass has been removed and will undergo a necropsy and laboratory testing – including for H5 bird flu and algal toxins – to determine the cause of death,” it said in a statement.
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