Avian Influenza Virus Threatens Wildlife Conservation Due to Spread Among Marine Animals, Birds

The latest study raised concerns about the spread of avian influenza virus or H5N1 over birds and marine mammals. As scientists conduct protection efforts for animals, the avian virus poses a significant threat to conservation efforts.

Conservation efforts are crucial to save species from decline or brink of extinction, particularly due to threats of the following:

• Climate change and global warming
• Pollution
• Invasive species
• Habitat loss
• Deforestation

However, the spread of avian influenza can impact conservation efforts. According to NOAA, the avian flu could infect birds and domestic poultry. With the wild aquatic birds, it can spread over to other animals.

In the latest report, researchers at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina and the University of California, Davis warned that the H5N1 virus managed to spread over marine mammals.

Understanding the pathogenic avian influenza is crucial to mitigate the impacts on birds and other marine animals. The research report was published in Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. The study can provide new insights to improve conservation efforts.

Avian Influenza Virus Impacts on Conservation Efforts

Researchers found that the samples, from sea lions and fur seals, had H5N1. The report noted the mutations can be found in marine mammals. The new insights into mammal adaptation mutations can become helpful in providing early warnings.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), avian influenza can infect not only birds but also humans. The potential direct contact with infected birds could allow the transmission of said viruses.

"This confirms that while the virus may have adapted to marine mammals, it still has the ability to infect birds. It is a multi-species outbreak," Agustina Rimondi, the study's first author and a virologist from INTA, said, as quoted in a UC Davis report.

Although the virus was found in other species, the study explained that it would be low risk to humans. In South America, the researchers said that avian influenza was detected in Argentina, including in seabirds and sea lions.

Also Read: Chinese Authorities Says Bird Flu Human Transmission Is Low After Reported Death Of A Woman Infected By The Virus

Elephant Seals Suffer From Avian Influenza

Elephant seals in Argentina also suffered from the virus, making it the first outbreak for the said seal population. In the 2023 breeding season, the report showed that 70% of elephant seals died.

"This outbreak is the greatest calamity to affect wildlife, particularly marine mammals, in South America in recent history," Marcela Uhart, a veterinarian with the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center and its Latin America Program, said, as quoted in a UC Davis press release.

In addition, the researchers raised concerns that avian influenza is forecast to move to South America. It could likely impact the animals even in Antarctica. As a result, the report emphasized the need for monitoring efforts to avoid widespread damage to wildlife.

Related Article: First Confirmed Case Of Bird Flu Recorded In Mainland Antarctica, Experts Concern On The Welfare Of The Birds In The Region

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