Data Report
Other Viruses => Bird Flu (HPAI) => Topic started by: Masked Man on February 09, 2026, 01:16:08 pm
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Bird Flu (H5N1) in 2026: The New Threat to American Marine Mammals
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
"For years, "Bird Flu" was a term associated primarily with poultry farms and migratory waterfowl. However, as we move through 2026, the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has taken a dark turn. It is no longer just an avian crisis; it has become a panzootic a global animal pandemic that is currently devastating marine mammal populations along the coasts of North and South America.
The Marine Mammal Crisis: Why Now?
In the past 12–18 months, H5N1 has shown an alarming ability to jump from seabirds to mammals. Scientists are particularly concerned about the "spillover" events involving pinnipeds (seals and sea lions).
Mass Die-Offs on American Shores
The Atlantic Coast: In New England, hundreds of harbor and gray seals have tested positive. The virus often strikes during pupping season when animals are huddled closely together.
The Pacific Coast: From Washington down to California, sea lions are being found stranded with neurological symptoms.
The Global Impact: To understand the scale, look south. In Argentina and Chile, H5N1 has wiped out over 17,000 elephant seals, including nearly 97% of a single year's pups. Researchers in early 2026 are investigating evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission, a mutation that would make the virus even harder to contain."
LINK:
https://thewildlifeamerica1.blogspot.com/2026/02/bird-flu-h5n1-in-2026-new-threat-to.html