Chile: Over 3500 marine animals dead in July
In February of last year, Chile witnessed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), prompting authorities to undertake necessary adjustments to address the significant impact of the disease on marine fauna. The strandings of dead animals have exceeded four thousand specimens per month since then.
According to experts, the situation is expected to become more complex in the upcoming months due to the El Niño Phenomenon affecting the Northern zone's coasts. This phenomenon will likely influence the availability of food for marine fauna, compounded by the weakened physiological condition of the surviving birds, which will further contribute to increased or sustained strandings.
In an update on the situation, it has been reported that more than 18,000 marine animals under the guardianship of Sernapesca (The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service) have died as a result of the highly pathogenic avian influenza. The numbers show that from February to July 28, 18,882 specimens were killed. Among them, 16,310 were common sea lions, 2,493 were Humboldt penguins, 34 were chungungos, 27 were spiny porpoises, 17 were Chilean dolphins, and 1 was a huillín.
Positive cases have also been reported, with the latest one being a sea lion found in Punta Arenas, Magallanes Region, on July 14. This brings the total number of infected specimens nationwide to 47, including 36 sea lions, 4 Humboldt penguins, 2 chungungos, 2 spiny porpoises, 2 Chilean dolphins, and 1 huillín.
To protect the Chilean Antarctic, special coordination efforts have begun between relevant authorities, with measures being put in place upon the detection of a positive case. Additionally, the dissemination of biosafety protocols, particularly for tourist ships visiting Antarctic regions, is being reinforced.
