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Bird Flu Outbreak at Año Nuevo Reaches Sea Otter and Sea Lion as Elephant Seal Toll Rises

Scientists identified the A3 H5N1 genotype on the Pacific Coast with traits linked to mammal transmission.

Overview

  • Laboratory testing confirms infections in at least 16 northern elephant seals, plus a southern sea otter and a California sea lion near Año Nuevo.
  • Reserve officials report about 47 elephant seal deaths since the outbreak began, with new symptomatic and dead animals found daily.
  • Cases remain concentrated in San Mateo County, though carcasses have been detected on public beaches slightly north and south of the park.
  • Roughly 60 marine mammals have been tested to date, and researchers anticipate more positives as coastal surveillance continues.
  • Response measures include closed viewing areas and canceled tours at Año Nuevo, a pause on elephant seal rescues by the Marine Mammal Center, and public advisories to avoid wildlife and report strandings to NOAA’s hotline.