At least 522 seals and sea lions have been found dead off the coast of southern Brazil, officials said Wednesday, with officials blaming avian flu for the deaths.
Brazil declared an animal health emergency over avian flu in May after several cases were confirmed in wild birds, and last month reported the first outbreak of the disease among marine mammals in Rio Grande do Sul state.
No cases have been recorded in pet birds or commercial poultry operations in the country, the world’s largest chicken exporter.
Rio Grande do Sul’s agriculture department said dead seals and sea lions had been found at various locations along its coast.