Overview
- The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed HPAI H5N1 in seven weaned northern elephant seal pups after initial screening at UC Davis.
- Researchers documented weakness, tremors, and other respiratory and neurological signs on Feb. 19–20 before collecting samples.
- California State Parks paused guided seal-viewing access, canceling 134 tours affecting 1,203 tickets, including 22 school groups, with refunds available through Reserve California.
- UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis are working with state wildlife and health agencies, NOAA Fisheries, and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network to conduct testing and coastal surveillance.
- Officials say public risk is very low, urge people to avoid contact and keep pets away, and ask reports of sick or dead marine mammals be made to NOAA’s West Coast Stranding Hotline at 866-767-6114.