What is happening at Año Nuevo State Park?

Seven seal pups have tested positive for avian flu, and several more show symptoms, leading to the cancellation of park tours.

Is the avian flu outbreak in California seals a risk to humans?

The virus is considered a low risk to humans, but people are advised to avoid approaching the seals.

Why were seal-watching tours canceled?

Tours were canceled out of an abundance of caution to prevent the spread of the avian flu virus among the seal population and the public.

Home / Environment / Seal Pups Test Positive for Avian Flu in California

Seal Pups Test Positive for Avian Flu in California

26 Feb

•

Summary

Seven seal pups at Año Nuevo State Park tested positive for avian flu.
Popular seal-watching tours have been canceled for the season.
This marks the first detected outbreak among marine mammals in California.

Avian flu has been detected in marine mammals in California for the first time, with seven seal pups testing positive at Año Nuevo State Park. Several more pups are exhibiting symptoms of the illness.

This outbreak has led to the immediate cancellation of the park's well-attended seal-watching tours for the current breeding season. The decision aims to prevent further spread and protect both the animals and visitors.

Researchers from UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis confirmed the findings, noting the global spread of the HPAI H5N1 virus among wildlife. While the risk to human health is considered low, officials advise the public to keep their distance from the seals and keep pets away.

The park, a popular winter destination for thousands of elephant seals, has closed its viewing areas and suspended guided walks as a precautionary measure to safeguard the seal population and ensure general public safety.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.