Popular Bay Area Park Closes After Experts Found Cases Of Bird Flu And Dead Animals

The San Mateo County park in California is well known for its massive amounts of elephant seals. Typically, tens of thousands of seals grace the shores of this park during their winter gatherings. However, this year is not a joyous occasion. As more and more seals were turning up dead, experts began to investigate. What they found was that there were confirmed cases of the bird flu, forcing officials to close the park.

Park Closes After Confirmed Cases Of Bird Flu

The Independent shared that more than 600 seal tours were canceled due to these outbreaks. Several of the seals developed sudden illness, and many of them died. It was this drastic change that prompted experts to act.

Later, the outlet confirmed that “On Wednesday, California State Parks confirmed the state’s first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.” This is commonly known as bird flu, and the virus was found “in elephant seals at the park.” The disease was detected “after multiple agencies collected and tested samples.”

While this is disheartening news for the seals, officials urge the public not to panic. Instead, they argue that the public is considered low. Regardless, closing the park was the right choice, and they urge residents to keep themselves and their pets far from live or dead marine mammals.

A spokesperson for the California State Parks spoke to The Independent on the matter. They told the outlet that “A small number of adult elephant seals, weaned pups, and seabirds have been affected” by the virus.

What Is The Bird Flu?

The Cleveland Clinic shares the following information regarding avian influenza. “Avian influenza, commonly called “bird flu,” is a viral infection that spreads in birds, cows, and other animals. It can sometimes spread to people.”

Additionally, the outlet shares that H5 subtypes are the most common types that infect humans. If a human is infected with the bird flu, they may experience “mild to severe respiratory symptoms and pink eye.”

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