Australian sea lion pups in South Australia (SA) are getting extra protection this season. A H5 avian influenza (bird flu) preparedness project is helping improve their health and boost the resilience of local colonies.
Healthy habitats and strong populations give native species the best chance against future challenges, like the threat of bird flu.
While Australia is currently free from the serious and contagious H5 bird flu. It is causing mass deaths in birds and some mammals, including sea lions, overseas.
The resilience project aims to strengthen sea lion populations before a potential outbreak. It will also help build resilience and support recovery in response to other threats. This includes the algal bloom impacting populations in SA's waters.
Led by researchers from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, one part of the project is helping pups fight off hookworm infections. Pups often pick up hookworms through their mothers' milk, which can cause serious health problems.
Early results show the pups are responding well to treatment and are in better condition as a result.
Pups are also using new specialised shelters. Shelters are being installed at up to 7 high risk risk colonies, including Kangaroo Island's Seal Bay. These shelters are being tested to determine if they can help protect pups from heat stress. As well as reducing the risk of accidental injuries from adults.
Weather stations have also been fitted at Seal Bay to track the microclimate within colonies. This will improve our understanding of colony temperatures. As well as assessing the effectiveness of pup shelters.
Efforts in Seal Bay are also being supported by feral cat control. Feral cats can spread diseases to other mammals - including humans - like toxoplasmosis. These diseases can cause significant sickness and death.
