❖ The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has led to the deaths of over 17,000 elephant seals in a year.

❖ It had wiped out 95 per cent of the pups in 2023.

❖ The virus spread along the coasts of Peru and Chile between 2022 and 2023.

❖ It was transmitted by porpoises, dolphins and other marine mammals.

❖ The outbreak has severely impacted the breeding populations, particularly in Patagonia, Argentina.

❖ H5N1 (HPAI-highly pathogenic avian influenza) is a severe viral infection affecting birds and mammals.