H5N1: Know about avian flu killing thousands of sea lions in Peru

The National Office of Protected Areas by the State of Peru reports that thousands of sea lions have perished in the country due to an epidemic of avian flu (SERNANP).

H5N1, generally referred to as avian flu, has affected several animals across the nation. On the coast of Peru, the first bird epidemic was discovered in late November 2022.

According to SERNANP, the virus has caused at least 63,000 dead birds and an increasing number of deaths in other species.


According to the organization, the virus has killed at least 3,487 sea lions, accounting for more than 3% of the species' total population in Peru. Moreover, five fatalities of fur seals related to avian flu have been reported.

Staff from the National Forest and Wild Fauna Service (SERFOR) examine a sea lion on February 22, 2023, as the incidence of bird flu infections rise in Peru.



Peruvian veterinarian Javier Jara told Reuters that the issue that first affected these coastal creatures last year began with pelicans.

Authorities in Peru are advising people to stay away from touching animals, whether they are living or dead.

In the US, a record number of birds and several animals have contracted avian flu.

In the US, infections have also been found in bears, foxes, bobcats, racoons, bears, and dolphins. Since late 2022, this virus has been found in more than 100 species of wild birds, including ducks, seagulls, geese, hawks, and owls.

There have been a few human examples as well. The danger to people is still low, but as World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted last month, "we cannot assume that will be the case."

FAQs:

1. What does H5N1 stand for?
   Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A
2. Is H5N1 transmissible to humans?
   No sustained human-to-human transmission has been observed.