Bird flu kills 13,000 seal pups on Australia-controlled island, scientists estimate

Bird flu has killed thousands of southern elephant seals on a remote island belonging to Australia, according to new research.

Scientists estimate more than 13,000 seal pups from a group of 17,000 were killed by the H5N1 strain on Heard Island since last August – about 75 per cent of the entire population.

The island is located about 4000 kilometres south-west of Australia. No people live there.

Researchers also found avian influenza led to elevated mortality in king and gentoo penguins on the island.

A team conducted the research with drone surveys and ground visits between October 2025 and January this year.

The research was published in the scientific journal BioRxiv and has not been peer-reviewed.

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H5 bird flu reaches remote Australian territory for the first time

Genetic analysis of samples taken from the island indicate the bird flu was likely introduced by wildlife from the French subantarctic Crozet Islands.

The research also included evidence of seal pup mortality on nearby McDonald island.

Environment minister Murray Watt responded to the findings, describing any loss of wildlife as “sobering”.

“For now we’re free from the serious and contagious H5 bird flu, but as it continues to spread globally, we must be realistic about the likelihood of an incursion here, and plan accordingly,” Watt said.

“The best way to prepare our native wildlife is to ensure strong, healthy populations. 

“That’s why we’ve provided an additional $11.2 million in this year’s budget for continuing support for at-risk species resilience and reducing the impacts of other threats, bringing our total environmental investment to $47 million.”