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
November 30 2023
Report showing a massive mortality of 5,224 sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in Peru that appears to be associated with a 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 the potential for virus transmission among sea lions.