Mass Mortality of Sea Lions Caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus
Víctor Gamarra-Toledo, Pablo I. Plaza, Roberto Gutiérrez, Giancarlo Inga-Díaz, 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 M. Rua Ventura, Sergio A. Lambertucci
Abstract
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.
Topics & Concepts
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1Sea lionHighly pathogenicTransmission (telecommunications)Avian influenza virusVirologyVirusBiologyInfluenza A virusZoologyEcologyEngineeringElectrical engineeringInfluenza Virus Research Studies