Highly pathogenic avian influenza in marine mammals, seabirds in Peru

In November of 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) arrived in Peru, triggering massive pelican and sea lion die-offs.

EpiCenter scientists assisted in this outbreak investigation, helping to confirm the deaths were the result of HPAI H5N1. In this publication, we report the genomic characterization of HPAI/H5N1 viruses in two species of marine mammals (dolphins and sea lions) and three species of seabirds (sanderlings, pelicans, and cormorants). These viruses are rapidly accruing mutations that warrant further examination and highlight an urgent need for active local surveillance to manage outbreaks and limit spillover into other species, including humans. These analyses, led by Dr. Mariana Leguia and collaborators in Peru, with was published in Nature Communications.