AN estimated 942 sea mammal deaths have been recorded in the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul as the country struggles with a significant bird flu outbreak.
Top officials in Brazil are looking for ways to contain the highly contagious H5N1 avian flu since the first cases were reported in the country in May.
Brazil’s agriculture ministry has extended a national health emergency for another 180 days in November after more cases have been detected among wild birds.
The uncontrolled bird flu has not only posed a danger to many bird populations and mammals but also posed a risk to humans.
Authorities rushed to isolate bird flu virus after it killed nearly 1,000 seals and sea lions in Rio Grande do Sul.
At least 522 seals and sea lions were also found dead along the coast of southern Brazil in October.
Experts fear that this strain of bird flu could be transported by birds or mammals to Antarctica where little could be done to prevent its spread among wild animals.
Local officials also collected samples of dead porpoises and penguins found on beaches to confirm if they were also infected.
