National Produce Health and Quality Service (Senasa) More than 40 sea lions in the city of Necochea in Buenos Aires have been confirmed to have died from bird flu.
Analysis of specimens recovered from the beach area around Keken Harbor indicated that the specimens died from an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5.
Likewise, authorities at the agency reported that animals showing flu-like symptoms had been found elsewhere, so they asked to restrict movement in the area.
“To date, four notifications concerning sea lions have been processed: the first two were negative; the third was found in the Rio Grande and South Atlantic Islands in the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, This is the first positive case of this species; the fourth was confirmed a few days ago in the Rio Negro Punta Bermeja Nature Reserve,” reports Senasa.
“Strongly urge not to enter affected beach areasAvoiding contact with these areas can help reduce the risk of contagion,” they pleaded to Senasa.
Finally, they noted that anyone who finds an animal in poor condition should not approach it, and called on authorities to “minimize contagion”.