Experts warn that we are experiencing a massive bird flu pandemic that is occurring around the world and has already affected more than 200 species of wild birds.
The virus, which primarily affects birds and chickens, has been a persistent threat to global public health for many years.
The disease brewing is bird flu. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning people become infected primarily through direct contact with live or dead infected animals or their contaminated environment.
Although the genetics and epidemiology of the virus have changed, the original avian influenza strain was known as H5N1. It no longer affects only poultry, but now also infects wild and migratory birds as well as marine species.
Transmission among migratory birds and mammals in coastal areas is common because the virus is transmitted through the oral and respiratory tract and is eliminated through secretions (saliva or mucus) and excretions (urine, feces). Humans can recognize and avoid contact, but animals cannot.
Determining the number of affected birds globally is complex due to their high mortality, but numbers are increasing exponentially.Furthermore, it is believed The virus may have killed more than 30,000 South American sea lions There are more than 2,500 elephant seal calves in South America alone.
Although its spread from birds to mammals may pose a “greater risk of contagion” to humans, experts agree that it is “rare”. There is always a risk, but the probability is not high because of your genetic makeup.
Argentina situation
In our country, this disease causes millions of dollars in losses to poultry businessmen.For months, an almost nationwide outbreak has shut down export trade and reduced local sales as Although the disease is not transmitted to humans through consumption, a lack of information results in chicken not being one of the most popular meats.
In addition to what is happening in poultry farming, the disease affects marine mammals along the Atlantic coast through migratory birds, in Tierra del Fuego, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, Buenos Aires and Chubu Positive cases of HPAI H5 have emerged among sea lions off the coast of New Zealand.
Infected specimens exhibit neurological and respiratory disorders: disorientation, incoordination, walking in circles, head-to-the-sky posture, inability to move, profuse nasal discharge, salivation, difficulty breathing, and seizures.
Fortunately, cases are down, allowing us to face the holidays with more peace of mind. There were 263 cases registered in September and only 26 positive results were reported in December.
How to avoid Atlantic Coast infection?
- Places that restrict public access to habitats of migratory birds and marine mammals (wolves or sea lions).
- Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals.
- If you see an obviously injured or sick animal, do not approach them or attempt to lift or assist them.
- Avoid handling visibly sick animals, carcasses or their remains.
- Prevent livestock or pets from coming into contact with, preying on or eating sick animals or carcasses.
- Avoid livestock areas where marine animals stay or rest (e.g., don’t walk your dog on the beach without a leash).
- If exposed to an infected animal or its remains, monitor yourself for possible respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, and shortness of breath) over the next ten days and consult a physician and inform the patient of the possible exposure. History of sick animals or their remains.