Avian influenza is killing tens of 1000’s of seals and sea lions in numerous corners of the world, disrupting ecosystems and flummoxing scientists who do not see a transparent method to gradual the devastating virus. The worldwide chook flu outbreak that started in 2020 has led to the deaths of tens of millions of domesticated birds and unfold to wildlife all around the globe, per the AP. This virus is not regarded as a significant menace to people, however its unfold in farming operations and wild ecosystems has precipitated widespread financial turmoil and environmental disruptions. The virus was detected in mainland Antarctica for the primary time in February. The place: Seals and sea lions, in locations as far aside as Maine and Chile, look like particularly susceptible, scientists mentioned. The virus has been detected in seals on the east and west coasts of the US, resulting in deaths of greater than 300 seals in New England and a handful extra in Puget Sound in Washington. The state of affairs is much more dire in South America, the place greater than 20,000 sea lions have died in Chile and Peru and 1000’s of elephant seals have died in Argentina. Ecosystem chaos: The deaths of seals and sea lions disrupt ecosystems the place the marine mammals function key predators close to the highest of the meals chain. Seals assist hold the ocean in steadiness by stopping overpopulation of the fish species they feed on. Trigger: Scientists are nonetheless researching how the seals contracted chook flu, nevertheless it’s most probably from contact with contaminated seabirds, says Marcela Uhart of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Well being Heart at UC Davis. Some scientists and environmental advocates say there could possibly be a hyperlink between the outbreaks and warming oceans from local weather change. Hotter sea temperatures off northern Chile lower the inhabitants of forage fish, and that makes sea lions weaker and extra inclined to illness, says Liesbeth van der Meer of the environmental group Oceana. Extra worries: Many species affected, resembling South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals, have comparatively steady populations, however scientists fear about the opportunity of the virus leaping to extra jeopardized animals. Scientists have mentioned chook flu may need performed a job within the deaths of tons of of endangered Caspian seals in Russia final yr. Extra right here. (Extra seals tales.)