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

Gamarra-Toledo V.; Plaza P.I.; Gutiérrez R.; Inga-Diaz G.; Saravia-Guevara P.; Pereyra-Meza O.; Coronado-Flores E.; Calderón-Cerrón A.; Quiroz-Jiménez G.; Martinez P.; Huamán-Mendoza D.; Nieto-Navarrete J.C.; Ventura S.; Lambertucci S.A. · Emerging Infectious Diseases (2023) · DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230192

Resumen

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.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa