a deadly #BirdFlu outbreak has skipped species impact and been affecting seal and #SeaLion colonies...

#SouthAmerica has been particularly hard hit with over 20,000 #SeaMammal deaths known from #AvianInfluenza which also has taken out millions of #factoryfarm chickens since 2020.

The #virus has been detected in #USA on both the east and west coasts, decimating over 300 known #seals in #NewEngland and now deaths have been seen in #PugetSound Washington population

https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b

Bird flu is killing thousands of seals

Avian influenza is killing tens of thousands of seals and sea lions in different corners of the world, disrupting ecosystems and flummoxing scientists who don’t see a clear way to slow the devastating virus. The worldwide bird flu outbreak that began in 2020 has led to the deaths of millions of domesticated birds and spread to wildlife all over the globe. This virus isn’t thought to be a major threat to humans, but its spread in farming operations and ecosystems has caused widespread economic turmoil and environmental disruptions. Scientists say seals and sea lions, in places as far apart as Maine and Chile, appear to be especially vulnerable to the disease.

AP News