What new marine mammal species have been infected by bird flu in California?

A California sea lion and a southern sea otter have been infected with bird flu for the first time in California.

Is there a risk of bird flu spreading to humans from these new cases?

The risk to the public remains very low, but officials are concerned about potential mutations that could allow easier human transmission.

What precautions should people take regarding sick marine mammals and birds?

People are urged to avoid contact with stranded, sick, or dead marine mammals and birds to prevent potential infection.

Home / Health / Bird Flu Jumps to New Marine Mammals in California

Bird Flu Jumps to New Marine Mammals in California

21 Mar

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Summary

Bird flu detected in sea lion and otter for the first time.
Over 30 elephant seals infected in nearby colony outbreak.
Risk to public remains very low, but caution advised.

Bird Flu Jumps to New Marine Mammals in California

Bird flu has recently infected two new marine mammal species in California: a sea lion and a southern sea otter. These detections in San Mateo County are the first of their kind in the state. Officials suspect these cases are connected to an ongoing outbreak affecting at least 30 elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park.

Additionally, bird flu was found in a common murre in Marin County. While the risk to humans is currently very low, experts are alarmed by the virus's spread to new species, as it raises concerns about potential mutations that could enable human-to-human transmission.

Authorities are advising the public to maintain a safe distance from any sick or deceased wildlife and to report such encounters. To date, over 1,100 geese were found dead in New Jersey, and more than 60 marine mammal species globally have been infected since late 2020.

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.