Given the increase in cases Avian Influenza Affecting the colony sea lion On the Atlantic coast, it was decided to close the spas in the province of Río Negro. The decision was aimed at preventing the spread and infection of the virus through specimen corpses that appeared on the beach.
The resorts affected by the provincial decision include Punta Villarino beach in the town of San Antonio Este, 65 kilometers from Las Grutas, and resorts on the coast between La Lobería and the town of El Condor near the border with Buenos Aires. Ellis Province. The measure could be replicated in other provinces that are on alert due to the presence of the virus. sea lion Infected on the beach of the Argentine Sea.
“I have worked with sea lions for many years and have never seen anything like this. It is very sad because they cannot be quarantined or vaccinated. We are facing a new fact of nature that unfortunately has yet to be understood. “Juan Lorenzani, Chairman Argentine Wildlife Fund. So far, infected specimens have been found on the coast of Buenos Aires and in all provinces of Patagonia.
break out Avian Influenza in the region and the first record sea lion Infections began early this year when birds and marine species in the Southern Cone developed symptoms of the disease. Influenza viruses have seriously affected humans in the first half of the 20th century, and mutations that affect different species have gradually appeared, among which the H5N1 variant is avian influenza.
In winter, one of the main tourist attractions in the area is watching marine species such as whales, dolphins or albatrosses, an activity that can be affected by the San Matias Bay area to the south of the area. Province.
Findings of dead bodies so far sea lion In coastal areas, they occur in the Rio Grande region from the Costa district in the province of Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego.To this end, the National Agri-Food Hygiene and Quality Service issued an alert and issued advice to the public, primarily aimed at avoiding close quarters or contact sea lion.