Share and Follow
The California Department of Public Health has issued a cautionary notice, urging the public to steer clear of sick or deceased wildlife along the California coastline. This advisory follows the discovery of northern elephant seal pups testing positive for the H5N1 bird flu at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County.
This unsettling development marks the first instance of bird flu being detected in northern elephant seals and is also the inaugural case involving any marine mammal in California. Scientists are actively investigating the wildlife in the region to gain a deeper understanding of how this illness is impacting the local animal populations.
Even though the likelihood of the disease transmitting to humans remains extremely low, officials emphasize the importance of exercising caution throughout the California coast. In response, California State Parks has decided to close certain areas of Año Nuevo State Park for the remainder of the season to help curb any potential spread of the virus.
Adding another layer of concern, Erica Pan, Director and State Public Health Officer of the California Department of Public Health, highlighted that the virus poses a risk not only to wildlife but also to pets.
Although the risk of the disease spreading to humans is very low, officials are encouraging the public to use caution across the California coast. California State Parks has closed areas of Año Nuevo State Park for the rest of the season to limit the potential spread of the disease.
California Department of Public Health and Director and State Public Health Officer Erica Pan warned that the virus can also infect pets.
“While the detection of bird flu in these young seals is concerning, it also shows that our surveillance systems are functioning as intended,” Pan said. “The risk to the general public remains very low, but Californians can protect themselves and their pets by avoiding contact with sick or dead marine mammals or birds, keeping pets on a leash near beaches, and respecting area closures.”
Sick elephant seal pups were first documented in the area on Feb. 19. The elephant seals were seen suffering from weakness, tremors, seizures, abnormal neurological behavior and sudden death. Wildlife experts are monitoring beaches from Sonoma to San Luis Obispo counties to better understand the possible spread of this disease.
The CDPH provided the following health and safety tips:
- Stay 150 yards away from elephant seals and all wild marine mammals and seabirds whenever possible.
- Keep children and pets away from sick, injured or dead wildlife.
- Do not approach, touch or attempt to assist marine mammals or seabirds, as this can spread disease and cause harm to both animals and people.
- Transporting potentially sick wildlife to a rehabilitation center, veterinary clinic or other animal facility can increase exposure risk. Always contact the facility first for guidance and to determine if the animal should be collected.
- Report sightings of sick, injured or dead marine mammals to the NOAA West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: (866) 767‑6114.
- Report sick or dead birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
If you’re not feeling well after a possible exposure:
- Stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others except to get medical care. If you seek care for symptoms, notify your healthcare provider of your potential exposure to bird flu before or immediately on arrival.
- Wear a mask indoors around other people and when entering any healthcare facility.
- Wash your hands often (or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available).
- Bird flu infections in people are rare, but infection can occur if the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled during close unprotected contact with infected animals or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Pets such as dogs and cats may also be at risk of illness if they interact with infected wildlife.