[Animals] Sernapesca confirmed the second case of avian influenza in sea lions

[FNX Magokiler]

An adult female who ran aground on La Rinconada beach in Antofagasta died after contracting the H5 variant of the virus.

To date, two marine mammals and two penguins have died in the country from this disease.

After receiving the results of the laboratory analysis from the Livestock Agricultural Service (SAG), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) confirmed the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (IAAP) in a common sea lion.

The department's director, Soledad Tapia, indicated that like the first, this animal was also found in Antofagasta: "This time, it was an adult female that washed up on La Rinconada beach, in the marine reserve of the same name." that before he died "he had associated symptoms, that is: muscle spasms, respiratory distress and decay."

"Our professionals from the Antofagasta Regional Directorate went in the company of the SAG to carry out the sampling, whose recent results showed positivity, confirming this second affected marine mammal," the authority specified.

 

 

Tapia stressed that "in this way, we confirm two marine mammals that have died from avian influenza, and two penguins, seabirds that are also within our competence."

[Also read] Sernapesca and bird flu: If you see a sick animal, don't touch it, don't move it, don't move it; call us
As in the cases reported in wild birds from 11 regions of the country, the mammal had the H5 variant of the virus, which is also spreading in countries such as the United States, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, among others.

Sernapesca works in coordination with the Antofagasta Presidential Delegation, SAG, the Ministry of Health, Senapred, as well as other regional and local authorities, within the framework of a special plan for this contingency.

For this reason, the department urged citizens not to touch or handle stranded marine animals, whether they are dead or alive, and to report these types of findings by calling 800 320 032.

 

https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/salud/alertas-sanitarias/sernapesca-confirmo-segundo-caso-de-influenza-aviar-en-lobo-marino/2023-02-28/223603.html