This development is especially concerning because the disease caused mass die-offs in a closely related species, southern elephant seals, during an outbreak in Argentina in 2023. That event showed how quickly this disease can spread through vulnerable marine mammal populations, underscoring the urgency of early detection, close monitoring and rapid response.

While most of the northern elephant seal colony appears healthy, experts are closely monitoring the situation in California to understand potential impacts and how it may affect marine mammals along our coast.

The Marine Mammal Center is working alongside leading partners including NOAA, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Department of Public Health to monitor wildlife health and guide a coordinated, science-based response. As of February 26, 2026, we have not identified any confirmed cases in patients currently receiving care at our hospital.

What this means for people and pets

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. The most important thing you can do is help protect yourself and marine mammals by:

• Staying at least 150 yards away from seals and other marine mammals
• Never touching live or dead wildlife
• Keeping dogs leashed on or near beaches
• Reporting sick or injured marine mammals to our hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325)

What happens next

Our scientists and our partners are actively monitoring seal populations, testing samples, and tracking the situation closely. Early detection like this allows us to respond quickly, protect vulnerable animals, and better understand emerging ocean health threats.

How you can help right now

Responding to emerging wildlife health threats requires specialized medical care, diagnostic testing, protective equipment, and round-the-clock monitoring. Your support makes this work possible.

Your gift today helps us:

• Provide life-saving care to sick and injured marine mammals
• Detect and respond to emerging diseases quickly
• Protect the health of marine mammals and our shared ocean
• Advance research that benefits wildlife worldwide

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