A disturbing incident off the coast of Chubut, Argentina has alarmed the scientific community and health authorities. Amid growing concerns about the spread of avian influenza among marine fauna, the National Agricultural Food Sanitation and Quality Service (Senasa) has confirmed a case in an elephant seal in the Punta Tombo region. The fact marks an alarming milestone as it is the first time a case of avian influenza has been recorded in this majestic marine species, known for its muscular build and size much larger than that of sea lions.
Previously, the area had faced a crisis of more than 200 positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in sea lions. However, this latest development affecting elephant seals brings new unknowns and challenges to combating the spread of the disease.
“Positive cases of avian influenza have actually been confirmed in both elephant seals and sea lions,” Germán Rezanowicz, animal health coordinator at the Regional Center of Southern Patagonia, told Télam. “The special thing is that no cases have been detected.” The virus was detected in any of the birds sampled, as well as in a cow found nearby, which was analyzed and returned a negative result for highly pathogenic avian influenza. “
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that has traditionally primarily affected birds. However, the detection of this disease in marine mammals raises significant questions about its spread and its potential impact on marine life. Extensive research is ongoing to better understand how highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads and to determine the measures needed to control its spread.
This shocking discovery highlights the critical importance of monitoring and protecting marine fauna in the Chubut region. Likewise, it highlights the general need for stricter precautionary measures to protect the health of local fauna and, ultimately, the integrity of the entire marine ecosystem.