The first ever outbreak of avian influenza among elephant seals in the state was reported at Año Nuevo State Park, just north of Santa Cruz, in February.
In late March, a deceased, young male sea lion found along Morro Strand State Beach has tested positive for H5N1 (avian influenza or bird flu), the first confirmed case in a marine mammal in the county.
While the risk of H5N1 to the public remains low, officials from San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Central California Marine Animal Response Team urge community members and visitors to avoid approaching marine mammals and seabirds. This is especially important for animals that appear sick, injured, or deceased. Signs of the bird flu include abnormal respiratory and neurological signs, including weakness and tremors.
California State Parks says, “While risk of infection to the general public is low, HPAI can spread between animals and people. Do not touch live or dead seals or allow pets to approach them. This helps protect people and pets and also gives sick animals space”
“People and their pets should avoid all contact with sick or dead wildlife because HPAI can spread between animals and people (and their pets),” Barbie Halaska, a biologist with Central California Marine Animal Response Team, told Estero Bay News in a previous interview. “Although the risk of infection to the general public remains low, beachgoers should not touch live or dead seals or allow pets to approach seals. They should maintain a safe distance of 150 yards or more away. And please respect closures and follow guidance at sites where special precautions are implemented.”
Should readers encounter a sick, injured or dead marine mammal in California, Oregon or Washington, call the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: (866) 767-6114. Do not attempt to move sick wild animals, as this can spread disease and cause stress or harm to the animal.
“While the risk to the public remains low, it’s understandable that people may have questions about their own health if they find themselves unexpectedly exposed to a sick or dead animal,” said County Health Officer, Dr. Penny Borenstein. “If community members have questions about H5N1 as it relates to human health, our Public Health Department can help answer those questions.”
Since the detection of this outbreak, scientists have worked closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, California State Parks, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Public Health, local health officials, The Marine Mammal Center, the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and other marine mammal researchers that monitor wild elephant seal populations.
Community members can reach the County of SLO Public Health Department by calling 805-781-5500. To learn more about H5N1 in California by visiting the California Department of Public Health’s website at cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/Bird-Flu.aspx
