A recent report released by World Animal Protection Argentina on October 20 highlighted the alarming mortality rate of southern elephant seal pups in the Valdes Peninsula. Although it remains to be confirmed, some believe that the most likely cause of such high mortality rates is related to highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.
The shocking discovery is the result of a joint registry between WCS Argentina, the University of California, Davis, and the Universidad Centrale de Buenos Aires. The report reveals worrying conditions affecting elephant seal populations.
Reports show that during the elephant seal breeding season, Calf mortality generally remains below 1%. However, extremely high mortality rates were recorded this year, varying between 56% and 74% depending on the area monitored. Experts from WCS Argentina and professional veterinarians from the Central National University of the Province of Buenos Aires (UNICEN) and the University of California, Davis, detailed this.
Deceased adult and subadult specimens
In addition to high mortality of offspring, an unusually high number of dead adults and subadults was observed. In some sectors, the adult population has declined by 40 to 70 percent, depending on gender and location.
This report is not limited to elephant seals; during the recording process, we collected demographic data on the elephant population and recorded the deaths of other species such as South American terns, royal terns, yellow-billed terns, terns, kelp terns, Gulls and fur seals. . In addition, professional veterinarians authorized by the Chubut Provincial Wildlife Management Bureau collected samples to investigate the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of the HPAI H5N1 virus.
lab report
Although laboratory results are still awaiting confirmation, the severity of the effects and the clinical signs observed in the animals suggest that the HPAI H5N1 virus may be responsible for the high mortality rate among elephant seals in the Valdes Peninsula.
This tragic event marks the first recorded mass die-off of southern elephant seals in the population, the only continental species of the species, and if the diagnosis is confirmed, it could be the first mass die-off of elephant seals globally due to avian influenza. record of.
Advice to the public
Given this alarming situation, there is a need to inform the community about the epidemiology affecting these Chubut fauna. Citizens are urged to take precautions and not to add stress to those already affected. Immediate action is needed to minimize the impact on animals exposed to the virus and ensure that the spread of the disease is prevented through human action:
- If you find a dead or diseased specimen on the coast, be sure to keep a distance of at least 15 meters and do not approach the animal.
- Pets should be prevented from coming into contact with sick or dead animals on the beach. If you enter a pet-friendly beach, your pet must be on a leash.
- It is recommended not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with feces or secretions from sick animals.
- If you walk on a beach where a dead bird or mammal is found, you should disinfect the shoes by washing the soles with a brush and soap and then soaking the soles in a 10% bleach-in-water solution for 5 minutes.
- If you find a dead animal or develop symptoms related to avian influenza, you must notify SENASA by: If you are near an office, please notify SENASA in person, through the “SENASA Notification” app, by calling 011-5700 -5704, SENASA section of the website or by email to (email protected).