Emerging Infectious Disease has shown that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), widely known as bird flu, is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of seals on the New England coast in June and July 2022. They were also able to test almost all seals that came through the Greater Atlantic Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network, regardless of whether the seal was visibly sick, and gather genetic data on any viruses detected. The researchers said that tight biosecurity is vital for limiting the spread of the virus within and between species, advising thorough monitoring and strict separation of domestic and wild animals