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Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

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Elephant seal

Ivlan

Northern Fur Seal
Callorhinus ursinus

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This patient is a northern fur seal, a species that we typically see stranding toward the end of the year. As a species that lives in the open ocean, these fur seals rarely come to shore except for when they are sick or injured.

Northern fur seals are especially sensitive to changes in their environment, as seen in the record numbers of sick or starving fur seals rescued and cared for at our hospital during years when we have seen El Niño conditions.

Age at Admit
Adult
Sex
Female
Rescue Location
Mussel Rock City Park (North) - Daly City, San Mateo
Cause of Death
Euthanasia, Domoic acid toxicosis
Admitted
09/19/2019
Status
Deceased
Deceased Date
10/05/2019

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You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.

  • $35 You'll buy food for a hungry animal
  • $45 You'll provide life-saving medical care
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