Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul today confirmed that highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu was involved in the deaths of 942 seals and sea lions, while the United States reported more outbreaks of the virus in domestic birds.
Oceanographer Silvina Botta, PhD, at the Rio Grande Federal University, told Reuters that the mammals' carcasses have to be buried or incinerated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to birds, other animals, or people.
Scientists have also found some sea mammals convulsing on local beaches as the H5N1 strain attacks their nervous system. Under government regulations, animals need to be euthanized to spare them "a very painful death," Botta said. She added that the virus first started killing sea mammals in Brazil in September, and three towns in the state still have active outbreaks.
High-path H5N1 was first detected in Brazil in mid-May.
Source: umn.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-anna-tarazevich
Categories: Minnesota, General