Global Bird Flu Outbreak Decimates Seal and Sea Lion Populations

Scientists struggle to contain virus that disrupts marine ecosystems and poses potential spillover risks.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is causing widespread deaths among seals and sea lions across the globe, with tens of thousands of marine mammals dying in regions as far apart as Maine, Chile, and Argentina.
The outbreak, which began in 2020, has not only affected millions of domesticated birds but also spread to wildlife, causing significant ecological and economic disruptions.
Scientists are struggling to find a way to slow down the virus, which spreads rapidly among wildlife, particularly in marine mammals that had no prior exposure, leading to devastating consequences.
The virus's spread to marine mammals disrupts critical ecosystems, as seals and sea lions play a key role in maintaining the balance of oceanic food chains.
Research indicates the virus has adapted to spread between birds and mammals, raising concerns about potential spillover into other species, including humans.