Bird Flu Found in Dolphins

Scientists from the University of Florida have identified bird flu in dolphins. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HAPIV) causes a variety of symptoms including inflammation of the meninges and brain. The virus has only been found in humans once, in 2022. This discovery raises several questions.

The HPAIV virus is typically spread by wild birds and affects domesticated poultry in North America and Europe. People rarely contract it. The researchers believe that the dolphin became infected after interacting with an infected wild bird. They analyzed the animal’s brain tissue to find out how it got infected.

The discovery of the dead dolphin comes amid an unprecedented bird flu season. The disease, which is caused by avian influenza A (H5N1), has killed millions of wild birds worldwide. It has also spread to many other species, including dolphins and porpoises. This presents a serious threat to wildlife, as well as a potential breeding ground for the virus to evolve.

The disease is also known to cause neurological symptoms in mammals. Researchers can begin analyzing tissue samples from dolphins and porpoises to determine if they have the virus. Once the virus has been identified in a marine animal, it will be more likely to spread to other wildlife, such as humans.

So far, the virus has been found in two species of cetaceans – gray seals and dolphins. Although this is a worrying development, it doesn’t seem to be the end of bird flu. Experts have said that we should not be surprised that the virus has crossed over to other species.

While marine mammals have no obvious ties to humans, there are some similarities. A subtype of the avian influenza A virus has been detected in harbor seals. Human influenza B virus is also known to exist in harbor seals. The infection rate in cetaceans and other marine mammals is much lower than in humans.

Though not a common disease, bird flu can be a serious threat to wildlife. The virus is also capable of infecting humans, and it has already killed thousands of animals. People have to be especially cautious and careful when handling sick wildlife, including raptors and dolphins. The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission is monitoring bird deaths and suspected cases of HPAI.