Deceased sea lion found on county beach tests positive for Bird Flu
– A deceased sea lion found along Morro Strand State Beach has tested positive for H5N1, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, marking the first confirmed case in a marine mammal in San Luis Obispo County.
Officials from the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Central California Marine Animal Response Team say the risk to the public remains low. However, officials urge community members and visitors to avoid approaching marine mammals and seabirds, particularly animals that appear sick, injured, or deceased.
The California Department of Public Health advises staying 150 yards away from all marine mammals and seabirds, keeping children and pets away from sick, injured, or dead wildlife, and not approaching, touching, or attempting to assist marine mammals or seabirds.
Officials ask the public not to touch or attempt to help wildlife, and instead to contact the appropriate agency. For assistance with marine mammals, call the NOAA West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114. For assistance with birds, call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (916) 358-2790.
“While the risk to the public remains low, it’s understandable that people may have questions about their own health if they find themselves unexpectedly exposed to a sick or dead animal,” said County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “If community members have questions about H5N1 as it relates to human health, our Public Health Department can help answer those questions.”
Community members can reach the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department by calling (805) 781-5500.
History of bird flu in San Luis Obispo County
Positive cases of bird flu have been found in San Luis Obispo County since 2022 in various wild birds. In 2024, many states, including California, experienced outbreaks of H5N1 in dairy cattle. Between September 2024 and January 2025, California recorded 38 confirmed human cases linked to exposures from infected cattle, with none in San Luis Obispo County.
