Emerging Infectious Diseases (Dec 2023)

Mass Mortality of Sea Lions Caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus

  • Víctor Gamarra-Toledo,
  • Pablo I. Plaza,
  • Roberto Gutiérrez,
  • Giancarlo Inga-Diaz,
  • Patricia Saravia-Guevara,
  • Oliver Pereyra-Meza,
  • Elver Coronado-Flores,
  • Antonio Calderón-Cerrón,
  • Gonzalo Quiroz-Jiménez,
  • Paola Martinez,
  • Deyvis Huamán-Mendoza,
  • José C. Nieto-Navarrete,
  • Sandra Ventura,
  • Sergio A. Lambertucci

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2912.230192
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29, no. 12
pp. 2553 – 2556

Abstract

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We report a massive mortality of 5,224 sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in Peru that seemed to be associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The transmission pathway may have been through the close contact of sea lions with infected wild birds. We recommend evaluating potential virus transmission among sea lions.

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