Scientists and wildlife specialists continue to sample and monitor marine mammals in California, where the first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a California marine mammal were detected and announced last month in San Mateo County. 

The following experts shared the latest updates in a press briefing held March 12. It was covered by the Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, KTVU and others. 

• Christine Johnson, Director, NSF Center for Pandemic Insights, UC Davis
• Patrick Robinson, Año Nuevo Reserve Director, UC Santa Cruz
• Moe Flannery, Sr. Collection Manager, California Academy of Sciences
• Dominic Travis, Chief Programs Officer, The Marine Mammal Center
• Catherine Sallenave, Infectious Diseases Staff Physician, San Mateo County 

To date, there have been 16 northern elephant seals, 1 southern sea otter and 1 sea lion confirmed positive for HPAI H5N1 in San Mateo County. The latest updates are found at this webpage, hosted by the UC Davis Institute for Pandemic Insights.

Excerpts from the press briefing:

Christine Johnson, UC Davis: “It’s of concern but hasn’t spread much so far. It has been a very limited outbreak."

Patrick Robinson, UC Santa Cruz: “There are still thousands of apparently healthy animals. We are only observing a small number of impacted animals every day. Of course, the outbreak is not over and we’re not really sure what is going to happen in the future. But I remain hopeful.”

Dr. Catherine Sallenave, San Mateo County: “While the risk to the general public remains very low and there’s no evidence of seal-to-human transmission, to limit the potential transmission to humans we are asking the general public to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, including marine mammals and birds. And we’re reminding people to keep their pets on a leash while on the beach and not approach wild animals.”