While birds are the most likely victims of the deadly strain of bird flu, researchers are also sounding the alarm for native mammals and marsupial species. These are some of the steps being taken to protect them.

“Marine mammals are really the ones in the firing line … so we’re certainly worried about our marine mammals … specifically seals and sea lions…”

Sea lion and elephant seal colonies are among a long list of mammals that have been severely impacted by bird flu as it has swept around the globe, and endangered populations in mainland Australia are considered high risk.

“And then the other species that could be potentially at risk in Australia are the ones that scavenge on birds or eat birds.”

Many of Australia’s most iconic marsupials, such as Tasmanian devils and quolls, are scavengers.

The Virginia opossum, which lives on the North American continent, is the only known marsupial to have been killed by bird flu so far.

It has left experts… concerned for Australia’s marsupials, especially those that are endangered.

“It’s really a big unknown … because very few marsupials have been exposed to bird flu because most of them are here in Australia…”

The not knowing is part of why the federal government has spent millions through the Funding Preparedness initiative to assist projects that will protect some of the most vulnerable species.