Global Strategies to Protect Seals and Sea Lions from Avian Influenza

Katherine E Kerlin — March 19, 2026 - 9:02am

When the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was discovered on a poultry farm in Asia in 1996, there was little indication that it would become so widespread and so destructive. Within 30 years, it reached every continental region except Oceania, infecting more than 400 million poultry, tens of thousands of elephant seals and sea lions, about 1,000 people and many other mammals and wild birds.

Pinnipeds, which include seals and sea lions, have been hit unusually hard by the virus.

Bird Flu Outbreak Among CA Marine Mammals Remains Small But Concerning

Katherine E Kerlin — March 13, 2026 - 9:36am

Scientists and wildlife specialists continue to sample and monitor marine mammals in California, where the first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a California marine mammal were detected and announced last month in San Mateo County.

Christine Johnson Content

Global Strategies to Protect Seals and Sea Lions from Avian Influenza

Bird Flu Outbreak Among CA Marine Mammals Remains Small But Concerning