"California Wildlife at Risk: Experts Fear Avian Flu 'Apocalypse'"

The H5N1 avian flu, known for devastating bird populations, has caused mass mortality in sea lions and elephant seals in South America, raising concerns about its potential impact on California's wildlife. Experts fear the virus may have gained the ability to spread between mammals, posing an existential threat to biodiversity. While the risk to the general public is low, the virus's rapid destruction of animal populations is alarming. With concerns about vulnerability in sea lions and sea otters, heightened surveillance and pandemic preparedness efforts are crucial for conservation and human health.