GlobalHealth Threats

1 November: Authorities reported that over 21,500 marine animals have died from H5 avian influenza this year. Over 85% of these were sea lions. Deaths in Humboldt penguins, otters, porpoises and dolphins also continue to be reported.

19 June: Since the beginning of 2023, over 11,400 marine animals have died from H5 avian influenza. The majority of them common sea lions (9,853) and Humboldt penguins (1,555), with porpoises, dolphins, and otters accounting for the rest.

22 April: H5 avian influenza continues to affect marine animals in the country with increased reports of dead animals from Arica to Biobio. In 2023, over 3,300 sea lions and 950 penguins have been found dead in coastal areas. Porpoises and dolphins have also been affected. The highest mortality rate has been reported from the northern zone of the country.

Deaths of animals this year are over 2,400% higher than in 2022.

14 March: H5 avian influenza has been detected in a penguin on Morrilos beach in Coquimbo. To date, there have been eight marine animals who have tested positive for avian influenza. The other seven animals were found in Antofagasta (two sea lions and two penguins), Arica (an otter), and Tarapaca (a sea lion and a penguin).

9 March: Authorities reported the first case of H5 avian influenza in a marine otter in Arica. The animal has died and was located near Las Machas beach in the vicinity of Lluta River wetland.

16 February: The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) in Chile has confirmed the first case of avian influenza in a sea lion in Antofagasta.