JavaScript is off. Please enable to view full site.

Peru reports hundreds of sea lion deaths due to bird flu

Peru reports hundreds of sea lion deaths due to bird flu

Wednesday, February 08, 2023, 11:53 GMT+7
Peru reports hundreds of sea lion deaths due to bird flu
Scientists at the Paracas National Reserve inspecting a dead sea lion while deploying a monitoring and surveillance protocol for cases of birds and sea lions affected by avian influenza in the Ica region, Peru. Photo: AFP

Peru said Tuesday that 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds have died of the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks, the latest report on the disease's impacts.

Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas, the Sernanp natural areas protection agency said.

The dead birds included pelicans, various types of gulls, and penguins, the Sernanp said in a statement.

Laboratory tests also confirmed the presence of H5N1 in the dead sea lions, prompting the authorities to announce a "biological vigilance protocol."

For its part, Peru's National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) urged people and their pets to avoid contact with sea lions and sea birds on the beach.

In December, Peruvian authorities culled 37,000 birds on a chicken farm over bird flu, following previous outbreaks that affected wildlife.

Killing infected birds is part of the usual protocol to control avian influenza outbreaks.

In November, the country declared a 180-day health alert after finding three cases of highly contagious H5N1 in pelicans.

According to the SENASA agricultural health agency, the disease is transmitted by migratory birds from North America.

Since late 2021 Europe has been gripped by its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, while North and South America are also experiencing severe outbreaks.

It is rare that bird flu jumps over into mammals -- and rarer still that humans catch the potentially deadly virus.

But the virus has recently been found in foxes and otters in Britain, a cat in France, and grizzly bears in Montana. All the mammals were suspected to have eaten infected birds.

AFP

More

Read more

Taiwan re-opens, mopping up after Typhoon Krathon

Krathon, now downgraded to a tropical depression, hit land in the southwestern city of Kaohsiung, inundating streets, blowing out the windows of some buildings and scattering debris amid record-breaking winds

23 hours ago

US dockworkers to head back to work after tentative deal

The International Longshoremen's Association had launched a work stoppage early Tuesday after negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents shipping companies and terminal operators, hit an impasse

1 day ago
;

VIDEOS

‘Taste of Australia’ gala dinner held in Ho Chi Minh City after 2-year hiatus

Taste of Australia Gala Reception has returned to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Vietnamese woman gives unconditional love to hundreds of adopted children

Despite her own immense hardship, she has taken in and cared for hundreds of orphans over the past three decades.

Latest news