Nearly 600 sea lions die due to bird flu outbreak in Peru

Tags: International News

In Peru, about 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds have died in recent weeks due to the H5N1 bird flu virus.

An overview of the news

• According to the Sarnap Natural Area Conservation Agency, after discovering 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found that all of them died due to bird flu.

• Along with this, 585 sea lions have also died in 7 protected marine areas.

• Dead birds include pelicans, different types of gulls and penguins.

• H5N1 has also been confirmed in dead sea lions in laboratory tests. After this the authorities announced the Biological Vigilance Protocol.

• Peru's National Forest and Wildlife Service has urged people and their pets to avoid and stay away from sea lions and seabirds at the beach.

Avian Influenza (H5N1)

• Bird flu, also known as avian influenza (AI), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quail, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as domesticated birds and wild animals.

• Avian influenza virus subtypes are A(H5N1), A(H7N9), A(H9N2) and A(H10N3).

• Types B and C mostly infect humans and usually cause mild illness.

About Peru

• Peru is the third largest country in South America, after Brazil and Argentina.

• President: Dina Boluarte

• Capital: Lima

• Currency : Nuevo Sol

• Major Mountain Ranges: Andes

• Major Rivers: Amazon, Ucayali, Madre de Dios