Australian scientists suspect there is a breakout of highly contagious bird flu in wildlife in Australian territory.

At this stage, it is not a "confirmed outbreak" of H5 avian influenza, but Australian Antarctic Program scientists on an environmental management visit have observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on Heard Island in recent days.

There were no observations of unusual levels of mortality in other species present on the island, including penguins and other seabirds.

In a joint media release, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, said seeing signs consistent with H5 bird flu on Heard Island was "not unexpected".

"This virus has previously been found on the French

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