Florida Dolphin Found With Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu

26 2024

Report details first such finding in wild animal in Western Hemisphere

A bottlenose dolphin in Florida has been found to be infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, the first such finding in a wild animal in the Western Hemisphere, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The dolphin was found stranded on a beach in Sarasota County on Jan. 24 and was taken to the Mote Marine Laboratory for treatment. The dolphin died the next day, and samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, for testing.

The tests confirmed that the dolphin was infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus, which is highly contagious and can be fatal to birds and other animals. The virus has been circulating in bird populations in North America since 2021, and has caused the deaths of millions of birds.

This is the first known case of a wild dolphin being infected with the H5N1 virus in the Western Hemisphere. The finding raises concerns about the potential for the virus to spread to other marine mammals, which are highly susceptible to respiratory infections.