Avian flu mutation wreaks havoc on sea lions in Argentina
American scientists investigated the cause of the sudden death of hundreds of sea lions in Argentina in 2023. It turned out to be a highly contagious mutation of the H5N1 virus. These are the first documented cases of mass mammal deaths due to avian flu.
The avian flu (H5N1) epidemic broke out in 2020. While the world was consumed with fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, avian flu began killing tens of thousands of birds in Europe. In three years, the H5N1 virus spread to almost the entire world. Only in Oceania and Antarctica has this pathogen not yet been detected.
A study by scientists from, among others, the University of California and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina shows that the avian flu virus is evolving. This is an unprecedented phenomenon. There are justified concerns that the H5N1 virus has adapted to spread to mammals. Further mutations could spread to other species, including humans.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses are becoming increasingly flexible and are adapting to mammals in new ways that could have global consequences for humans, wildlife and livestock, according to a new study of a massive outbreak among elephant seals in Argentina in 2023 - reports the online science, research, and technology news service Phys.org on Facebook.
Avian flu among mammals - sea lions in argentina as victims
In August 2023, the virus was detected in sea lions on the island of Tierra del Fuego in South America. Two months later, scientists examined the breeding colony of these animals. They recorded about 19,000 dead sea lions. By November, 96% of the young had died. Test results confirmed the presence of H5N1 in seals and terns that killed at the same time.
Virologist and co-author of the study Agustina Rimondi from INTA points to the evolution of this virus among marine mammals. This virus can adapt to mammals, as evidenced by the mutations it consistently finds among mammalian organisms.
Pathogens causing avian flu, like those causing COVID-19, are constantly mutating. Scientists are monitoring new strains of the H5N1 virus. The forecasts are not optimistic—the virus may evolve to threaten humans.
