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Reproductive alterations in South American sea lion during the avian influenza H5N1 outbreak in Northern Patagonia
Alteraciones reproductivas en el lobo marino Sudamericano durante el brote de gripe aviar H5N1 en Patagonia Norte
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/abc.v30n2.116579Palabras clave:
Abortions, HPAI/H5N1, Otaria flavescens, Sexual behavior (en)Abortos, Comportamiento sexual, HPAI/H5N1, Otaria flavescens (es)
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The South American sea lion (SASL, Otaria flavescens) is an endemic pinniped native to South America. Its breeding period is notably seasonal and highly synchronized, occurring during the austral summer. Its breeding behavior has been extensively documented; therefore, any unusual observations warrant careful attention and monitoring. In late 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 emerged in South America, rapidly spreading among marine birds and mammals and causing mass mortality events in SASL. Between August and November 2023, mass mortalities and clinical signs consistent with HPAI were reported in several SASL colonies in Argentina. This study documents and quantifies an atypically high number of abortions and abnormal reproductive behaviors observed in SASL during the 2023 HPAI outbreak in Northern Patagonia. A total of 73 abortions events were recorded, some involving females exhibiting clinical signs of avian influenza. Additionally, unusual sexual behaviors were observed, including males retaining and mounting females outside the breeding season and instances of necrophilia documented for the first time in this species. We discuss potential factors associated with reproductive failure and abnormal behaviors in pinnipeds and suggest a high likelihood that these patterns could be related to the HPAI/H5N1 outbreak in the Atlantic. These findings underscore the need for continued research to understand the impacts of emerging diseases on marine mammal health and behavior, emphasizing the importance of sustained population monitoring.
El lobo marino sudamericano (LMS, Otaria flavescens) es un pinnípedo endémico de América del Sur. Su período reproductivo es notablemente estacional y altamente sincronizado, ocurriendo durante el verano austral. Su comportamiento reproductivo ha sido ampliamente documentado; por lo tanto, cualquier observación inusual puede ser fácilmente detectada. A fines de 2022, surgió en América del Sur un brote de influenza aviar altamente patógena (HPAI) H5N1, propagándose rápidamente entre aves y mamíferos marinos, causando eventos de mortalidad masiva en LMS. En Argentina, entre agosto y noviembre de 2023, se reportaron muertes masivas y signos clínicos de HPAI en varias colonias de LMS. Este estudio documenta y cuantifica un número inusual de abortos y comportamientos reproductivos inusuales en LMS durante el brote de influenza aviar de 2023 en el norte de la Patagonia. Se registraron 73 abortos de LMS, algunos de ellos en hembras que presentaban signos clínicos de influenza aviar. Además, se documentaron comportamientos sexuales inusuales: machos reteniendo y montando hembras, cópulas, así como casos de necrofilia. Discutimos los posibles factores asociados con el fracaso reproductivo y los comportamientos anormales en pinnípedos, y sugerimos una alta probabilidad de que estén relacionados con el brote de HPAI/H5N1 en el Atlántico. Estos hallazgos destacan la necesidad de continuar investigando los efectos de enfermedades emergentes en la salud y el comportamiento de los mamíferos marinos, y subrayan la importancia del monitoreo sostenido de sus poblaciones.
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