Dead sea lion found positive for bird flu in SLO County

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Health officials in San Luis Obispo County found a dead sea lion that tested positive for bird flu at Morro Strand State Beach, according to the County Public Health Department.

This marks the first confirmed case in a marine mammal in SLO County.

The SLOCPHD, State Department of Fish and Wildlife, alongside the Central California Marine Animal Response Team, urged community members to avoid approaching marine mammals and seabirds, especially those sick, injured or dead.

Officials ask the public not to touch or help wildlife and instead call the NOAA West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding hotline or the CDFW for bird assistance.

Community members can reach the SLO County Public Health Department for related incidents and for more information on bird flu visit the State Department of Public Health webpage.