The spread of bird flu among sea lion colonies in Puerto Mar del Plata has resulted in the death of at least 25 sea lions, some of which have been found dead in the past few hours on various beaches in the city where precautionary measures have been taken, according to officials. The precaution is to avoid contact with humans or pets, sources reported today.
The remains of this marine mammal (Otaria flavescens) have been found floating in the water mirrors of local shipping piers, as well as off the coast in various areas such as La Perla, Varese, Punta Iglesias, Playa Pop, Playa Grande and Acantilados. ..
As of Monday, 25 sea lions had died, a source from the National Agricultural Products Health and Quality Service (Senasa) told Télam.
Additionally, they noted that dozens of animals were found to suffer from symptoms consistent with the disease, such as neurological disturbances or seizures.
The agency confirmed infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 last Friday after analyzing samples at the National Reference Laboratory in the town of Martínez in Buenos Aires.
In line with this confirmation, starting over the weekend, the order to close access to the area of the south breakwater of the port, where the Mar del Plata colony is located, is home to about 500 animals.
In view of the presence of remains on the beach in the past few hours, Senasa launched an operation with the Mar del Plata Regional Port Union and the Civil Protection to remove or bury the remains in situ, in case they were untouched sites.
On beaches such as Popular, Varese or Playa Grande, the area where the dead specimens were located was cordoned off to prevent people or pets from touching them.
Official sources said that “young animals in particular have died and exhibited symptoms” that had arrived at local habitats in recent days.
Senasa reiterates its advice to “do not handle dead animals or animals with suspicious symptoms”
Avian influenza among sailors has also been reported in recent days in the neighboring town of Necochea; Villarino, south of Puerto Blanca; Puerto Loyola (Santa Cruz), Videmar (Rio Negro ), Puerto Piramides (Chubut) and the coastal protected area of the Tierra del Fuego city of Rio Grande.