AH5 Avian Flu Becomes Potential Danger in Mexico | News from Mexico

CDMX .-The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza AH5 was detected in a poultry production unit in the state of Sonora, Mexico, raising concerns for the poultry industry and food safety. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious and harmful disease For poultry. Its detection may have a significant impact on poultry production and controls may be required to prevent its spread.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) and the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica) are taking measures to respond to the situation, including diagnosing the situation and taking measures to curb the spread of the virus. The Mexican American Committee for the Prevention of Foot and Other Animal Diseases (CPA) also participated in these efforts. Early detection and appropriate response are critical to preventing widespread spread of the disease.

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Among the first measures taken, Directorate General of Animal Health (DGSA) “Declaring a comprehensive and clear quarantine for the affected farms and for the internal quarantine of the State of Sonora,” which means that for the transfer of birds from the state’s poultry production units (UPAs), “it will be necessary to undergo a PCR test proving the absence of the disease “.

Additionally, the DGSA reported that the Senasica laboratory has conducted the necessary tests to obtain more data on the virus affecting the UPA. Hens previously vaccinated with the immunogen will be exposed last year.

Once the effectiveness of the biologic is proven to protect birds against the strains of the virus that entered this year, Senasica will authorize the strategic use of the vaccine and will begin in the state of Sonora,” Sadr said.

Country risks and containment measures

The agency noted that vaccination strategies can start from the first day of November, in areas with high animal health risks and on farms that specialize in raising hens and breeding hens, as they are vital to the production of chicken and eggs that sustain the national supply.

Likewise, he said, poultry in areas with high poultry production could be vaccinated at the request of producers who wish to do so, for which they must prove through laboratory studies that their birds are free of the virus. Virus They have the services of responsible veterinarians authorized by Senasica.

The agency recalled that the affected production unit had 90,000 laying hens spread across six buildings, one of which 15,000 birds were slaughtered, Hens that are 110 weeks old are considered to be at the end of their production cycle.

During an on-site inspection, official personnel found that there was an irrigation canal 40 meters away from the breeding farm and there were a large number of migratory ducks. Therefore, Extreme biosecurity measures are necessary

to avoid new infections.

Senasica recalled that the main preventive measures are strict biosecurity measures on poultry farms, in addition to establishing health protocol For those entering the UPA, please clean and disinfect all vehicles and state “Do not move sick or dead birds; these birds must be quarantined or, where appropriate, sanitized.”