Australia's CSIRO is currently testing a red fox for possible H5N1 avian influenza infection, representing its first land mammal test for the virus. Outbreaks of avian flu across Australia put at risk local wildlife. Affected animals include an elephant seal in a Victorian outbreak hotspot, with a case found in Merri-bek.
In South Dakota, avian flu has affected 77,700 birds, increasing the total four-year outbreak total to 8.1 million birds. Alongside these reported cases, experts warn that feeding birds in backyards can turn into a major spreading vector.