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