The Devastating Impact of Bird Flu on Wildlife and Humans.

A study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Disease has found that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, caused the deaths of over 330 seals on the New England coast in June and July 2022. This is the first large-scale mortality of wild mammals linked to bird flu. The researchers found that the virus hit local gull populations severely, and seals could easily pick up the virus from gulls as they share the same habitat. The study highlights the importance of tight biosecurity to limit the spread of the virus within and between species.