"Avian Flu Outbreak Decimates Argentina's Seals"
A highly contagious strain of avian influenza has devastated Southern elephant seal populations in Argentina, resulting in the loss of nearly 96 percent of seal pups born in 2023. Concerns have arisen that the H5N1 strain is now capable of mammal-to-mammal infection, posing a potential threat to human populations. The virus has also affected a wide range of mammal species, prompting the World Health Organization to urge preparedness for continued spillover into human populations. Wildlife officials emphasize the need for swift action to prevent further devastation to wildlife and to guard against the spread of the deadly pathogen to humans.
