Elephant seals Content

First Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Northern Elephant Seals Confirmed in California

Katherine E Kerlin — February 25, 2026 - 10:00am

Seven weaned elephant seal pups in California’s Año Nuevo State Park tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed Tuesday evening.

Avian Influenza Major Setback for Patagonian Seals

Katherine E Kerlin — April 16, 2025 - 3:33pm

It may take 100 years for the southern elephant seal colony of Península Valdés in Argentine Patagonia to look like it did in 2022. A study published in Marine Mammal Science projected population trajectories after the 2023 epidemic of the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 virus, which killed almost all newborn pups and an unknown number of adults.

Elephant Seal Colony Declines One Year After Avian Flu Outbreak

Katherine E Kerlin — November 11, 2024 - 2:00am

A year after an outbreak of H5N1 killed thousands of elephant seals, only about a third of the seals normally expected here returned, �鶹��ý scientists and partners estimate. A study chronicles the 2023 outbreak.

H5N1 Is Increasingly Adapting to Mammals

Katherine E Kerlin — June 05, 2024 - 9:45am

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses are adapting to mammals in new ways that could have global consequences. �鶹��ý study finds clear evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission.