Officials said Tuesday that a record-breaking global outbreak of avian flu has killed a number of sea lions in Argentina, increasing concerns that it could transmit more readily to people.
Animal health officials have recently received reports of dead sea lions in a number of areas throughout Argentina’s broad Atlantic coast, from Santa Cruz in the continent’s southernmost tip to just south of the capital city of Buenos Aires.
Another “50 dead specimens have been counted… with symptoms compatible with avian influenza,” according to a statement from a Patagonian environmental authority.
“The number of dead is rising. There is no veterinary treatment for these cases,” a local official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Authorities have urged the populace to stay away from the roughly 5,000 km (3,100 miles) of beaches along Argentina’s coastline where instances have been confirmed.
Like seals and walruses, sea lions are maritime mammals. Men can reach adult weights of up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds).
Historically, the H5N1 bird flu has only been associated with seasonal outbreaks, but since 2021, cases have been reported year-round and in all parts of the world, resulting in what scientists believe to be the greatest outbreak ever.
Earlier this year, hundreds of sea lions were reported dead in Peru as the virus decimated bird populations all over South America.
Bird flu, which naturally spreads between wild birds and can infect domestic poultry, has no known cure.
Humans are rarely infected by avian influenza viruses, though there have been isolated instances.
However, the outbreak has affected a number of mammal species, including domestic cats and farmed minks, and the World Health Organization issued a warning in July that this could make it easier for it to adapt and infect people.
“Some mammals may act as mixing vessels for influenza viruses, leading to the emergence of new viruses that could be more harmful to animals and humans,” the WHO said in a statement.
