Australian authorities have confirmed the first case of H5N1 bird flu in a local bird species, raising concerns about the virus's spread to wildlife.

A juvenile New Zealand fur seal in New South Wales is under observation for potential infection, which could mark the first instance of the virus in an Australian mammal.

Scientists are testing a greater crested tern in South Australia, which is not a migratory species, suggesting the virus may have originated from overseas.Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed four additional H5 cases, bringing the total to 12 detections.

The virus, which has killed hundreds of millions of birds globally, is now spreading from Southern Ocean birds into mainland wildlife, with experts warning of potential environmental disasters and species extinctions.Infected seabirds arriving in Australia contracted the virus in Antarctica after it spread from South America.The situation highlights the risk to marine mammals and the need for urgent biosecurity measures.