Peru reports hundreds of sea lion deaths due to bird flu
Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas
Peru reports hundreds of sea lion deaths due to bird flu. AFP
Lima: Peru said Tuesday that 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds have died of the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks, the latest report on the disease’s impacts.
Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas, the Sernanp natural areas protection agency said.
The dead birds included pelicans, various types of gulls, and penguins, the Sernanp said in a statement.
Laboratory tests also confirmed the presence of H5N1 in the dead sea lions, prompting the authorities to announce a “biological vigilance protocol.”
Peru said Tuesday that 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds have died of the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks, the latest report on the disease’s impacts.
Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas, the Sernanp natural areas protection agency said.
The dead birds included pelicans, various types of gulls, and penguins, the Sernanp said in a statement.
Laboratory tests also confirmed the presence of H5N1 in the dead sea lions, prompting the authorities to announce a “biological vigilance protocol.”
For its part, Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) urged people and their pets to avoid contact with sea lions and sea birds on the beach.
In December, Peruvian authorities culled 37,000 birds on a chicken farm over bird flu, following previous outbreaks that affected wildlife.
Killing infected birds is part of the usual protocol to control avian influenza outbreaks.
In November, the country declared a 180-day health alert after finding three cases of highly contagious H5N1 in pelicans.
According to the SENASA agricultural health agency, the disease is transmitted by migratory birds from North America.
Since late 2021 Europe has been gripped by its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, while North and South America are also experiencing severe outbreaks.
It is rare that bird flu jumps over into mammals — and rarer still that humans catch the potentially deadly virus.
But the virus has recently been found in foxes and otters in Britain, a cat in France, and grizzly bears in Montana. All the mammals were suspected to have eaten infected birds.
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
also read
At least 14 killed as 6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Ecuador, Peru
Destroyed buildings, crushed vehicles and debris could be seen in cities such as Machala and Cuenca in Ecuador, as rescue officials rushed to lend aid and panicked residents ran into the streets
Vaccine makers prep bird flu shot for humans 'just in case', rich nations lock in supplies
Executives at three vaccine manufacturers – GSK Plc, Moderna Inc and CSL Seqirus, owned by CSL Ltd - said they are already developing or about to test sample human vaccines that better match the circulating subtype, as a precautionary measure against a future pandemic
In UK bird flu kills dolphins
Exactly 23 animals, including a harbour porpoise, seals, otters, and foxes, have been impacted in the UK so far. Other places in the globe have experienced problems with mink and sea lions