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H5N1 bird flu spreads to sea otters and sea lions along San Mateo coast, wildlife experts say
Scientists confirmed H5N1 avian flu in 16 elephant seals, one sea otter, and one sea lion; the outbreak is in early stages and confined to Año Nuevo beaches, researchers said.
- At Año Nuevo State Park, UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz researchers confirmed H5N1 in elephant seals and that the virus has spread to a sea otter and a sea lion, after seven pups tested positive in late February.
- Researchers say the outbreak appears linked to wild birds along the Pacific Flyway, as the detected A3 variation of H5N1 contains a mammal-transmissible mutation.
- Laboratory confirmatory testing indicates approximately 60 marine mammals have been tested in multiple diagnostic laboratories, with 47 elephant seals on the mainland dead and tracking tags on 17 animals showing normal behavior.
- San Mateo County health officials advise canceling Año Nuevo State Park tours through next month and restricting seal viewing, affecting more than 43-hundred ticket holders, while urging avoidance of sick wildlife.
- Researchers expect more cases as past H5N1 outbreaks killed 17,000 elephant seals in Argentina 2023 and over 30,000 sea lions in Peru and Chile, and ongoing confirmations are being monitored.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Hanford Sentinel
H5N1 bird flu spreads to sea otters and sea lions along San Mateo coast, wildlife experts say
Researchers say the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in California elephant seals has spread to other marine mammals, including a sea otter and sea lion. However, wildlife officials are cautiously optimistic the outbreak will remain contained. It has so far only…
Avian flu infects more marine mammal species along San Mateo County coast
Following news this week of a southern sea otter's death from avian flu, experts are now saying the disease's outbreak has infected more species of marine mammals along the San Mateo County coast.
Bird flu outbreak at Año Nuevo State Park has spread from elephant seals to a sea otter and a sea lion
The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in California elephant seals has spread to other marine mammals, including a sea otter and sea lion. But wildlife officials are hopeful the outbreak will remain contained. The post Bird flu outbreak at Año Nuevo State Park has spread from elephant seals to a sea otter and a sea lion appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.
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