California Detects H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in Northern Elephant Seals for the First Time

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently confirmed the detection of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the northern elephant seal population in California. This is the first time H5N1 avian influenza has been found in local marine mammals in California, and the first detection of the virus in the northern elephant seal population. The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed on the evening of the 24th that seven northern elephant seal pups at Anio Nueve State Park in California tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. Dr. Christina Johnson from the University of California, Davis, said that this case of avian influenza infection is likely the first occurrence of a wild marine mammal infection in the area.