James’s flamingo, also known as Puna’s flamingo, lives in high altitude areas of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru
- author, Vanessa Buschschlueter
- Role, bbc news
An outbreak of bird flu in northwest Argentina has killed 220 flamingos, local authorities have confirmed.
The dead bird is a species of James flamingo (Zhan’s red-tailed phoenix), living in high altitude areas of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru.
The H5N1 avian influenza strain currently circulating in South America can infect an entire flock of chickens in just a few days.
It can also be transmitted to humans and other mammals through feces and saliva.
In August, more than 50 sea lions died of bird flu on Argentina’s Atlantic coast, and thousands of sea lions were found dead in Chile and Peru earlier this year.
Children also infected with bird flu
A local media outlet reported to biodiversity expert Anabella Ahumada that two tests on dead flamingos found in the northwestern province of Catamarca came back positive for avian influenza.
The area’s lagoons are also home to two other species of flamingo, but James’s flamingo appears to have been infected.
Local authorities claim to have taken measures to curb the spread of the virus. We will also remind local residents not to touch dead animals.
The flamingo, also known as Flamingo da Puna, is classified as a “quase ameaçado” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Non-Brazilian cases
In March this year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (pictured) confirmed Brazil’s first case of wild bird infection with the H5N1 influenza virus.
Detecting events taking place on the coast of the state of Espírito Santo, more specifically in the cities of Marata Izes, Vitoria and Cariacaca.
Since both birds are three-dimensional species (catfish) ea othera um atobá-pardo (Sulla Witbuik).
Several frail bodies were found on the beach and transported to research facilities.
Experts showed two animals that were sent to the Federal Agricultural Defense Laboratory in São Paulo. Analysis confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus.
Subsequently, additional cases were discovered in Brazil. At least 19 have been confirmed as this year’s second or second map.
Among them, 13 are located in the cities of Marata Ezes, Cariasica, Vitoria, Nuevo Venecia, Linares, Itapemirim, Serra and Piuma in the state of Espírito Santo. For example, there are 5 cases in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro state, Cabo Frio and Governado islands, and the southern side of Rio Grande do Sul state.