Bird flu has killed 1,535 sea lions and 730 penguins in Chile.

Chile reported this Friday 1535 sea ​​lions and 730 Humboldt penguins deaths from the avian influenza virus to date, especially in the northern regions, although marine mammals have also been found dead from the disease in the central-south part of the country.

“This has never happened in Chile facts such as those that are happening now,” the director warned Chilean National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca)Soledad Tapia.

The official pointed out that while there are hundreds of dead mammals, the species most affected by bird flu are wild birds such as pelicans.

The Chilean north has been hardest hit

Region Arica And parinakotain the north, is the most affected, with 709 sea lions and 343 dead penguins, followed by antofagasta, tarapaka And atacamaall in the north.

Dead marine animals of protected species have also been found in the area. biobioabout 500 km south of the capital.

director chamois sand asked the public that if they find a dead bird or mammal with strange behavior, “do not pick it up or go near it” and notify the authorities.

The first sea lion killed by bird flu was discovered in the north on February 15, two months after the first wild bird was infected with the virus in Chile.

Can be transferred to humans

Chile It’s not the only country with a high number of marine mammals killed by avian influenza: Peruvian authorities reported in early March that 3,492 sea lions had died from the flu – more than 3% of the country’s population of this species – and 63,000 birds in coastal natural areas.

Although it is a disease that affects wild birds and some mammals, it can be transmitted to humans through contact with sick animals or their remains.

He Ministry of Health of Chile reported this Wednesday the first case of avian flu in a 53-year-old man whose whereabouts are unknown.

(with EFE information)