Bird flu alert in Chubut province: more than 1,300 baby elephant seals die

Mortality rates of elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) and fur seals (Otaria flavescens) increased significantly in Chubut province due to the following cases Avian Influenza. The province’s wildlife management agency reiterates not to approach animals seen on the coast.

Fernando Bersano, Director of Wildlife Flora and Fauna of Chubut confirmed, Avian Influenza In this province, there are serious consequences for offspring and weanlings. So far, more than 1,300 elephant seal calves and about 700 sea lions, including pups and adults, have been reported dead.

The most affected areas include Peninsula Valdez, Escondida Island, Puntaloma, Commodore Rivadavia, Radatilli and Camarones. Still, no positive cases confirmed by state health authorities have been recorded among seabirds in the area so far.

Advice on the spread of avian influenza in Chubut Province

The Wildlife and Flora Management Service has issued advice to the public:

• Do not approach animals on the coast and keep a distance of at least 15 meters.
• Please do not bring pets to the beach. If necessary, they should be kept on a leash to avoid approaching elephants or wolves on the beach.
• Remember, not all animals arriving at the coast are sick; some may be out to rest, regulate their body temperature, molt, or be part of a natural cycle, and these must be respected.

What is avian influenza

Avian influenza is an infectious disease caused by viruses in the family Orthomyxoviridae. This disease mainly affects birds. According to the pathogenicity, it can be divided into two categories: low pathogenicity and high pathogenicity. The symptoms when infecting poultry are different.

The World Health Organization says that while most avian influenza viruses circulating in birds are not zoonotic, meaning they cannot be transmitted to humans, some strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have the ability to infect humans, This poses a threat to public health.

The main route of virus introduction into an area is through migrating wild birds.Transmission to humans is usually through Direct or indirect contact with infected birdsas well as environments and surfaces contaminated by their feces.

Activities such as plucking, handling infected poultry carcasses, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in a domestic setting, may increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms range from mild upper respiratory tract infections (fever and cough) to severe cases including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and even death.