Beach Closures, Sea Lion Deaths, and Growing Concerns on the Rionegro Coast

While the number of dead sea lions on the beach near Viedma continues to rise, staff from the National Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) are continuing their work, and in the next few hours, experts from Conservation International will try to Sure The origin of the virus, and how it may have mutated since it first emerged in Chile and Peru on the Pacific coast.

According to a survey conducted by national agency staff with counterparts from the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change About 50 stuffed sea lions had died as of Thursday and a large number of animals with symptoms consistent with the virus Avian Influenza.

Officials only reported one known case last week, and IThe results of the samples collected in these days will be sent to Senasa laboratory next Monday or Tuesday, Although there is no doubt that they will die from the same disease.

possible focus Will be located in the area surrounding the wolf pack in the Punta Bermeja Nature Reserve, not the center of the pack

, at least until now; according to official information. Animals have died on various beaches in the area, as bodies are dragged by currents and deposited there.

Starting this Friday, a machine from the Provincial Water Affairs Department will join the work ‘Respect international agreement’ to bury bodies As stated by Fabián Llanos, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Undersecretary for Biodiversity, Rionegro.

The person in charge pointed out “The virus has the potential to spread to humans” Although there are only three registered cases, located in the United States, Ecuador and Chile; reviewed “Do not use the beach”, especially “with pets” And recognize that “we face a complex situation”.

The situation is monitored by a commission composed of representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, the Environmental Sanitation Field and the Epidemiological Coordination Unit of the Ministry of Health, the municipalities of Viedma, Senasa, the Argentine Naval Department and the Rio Negro Police Department.

In addition, Senasa said, “within the sampling protocol, together with local authorities Identify burial sites for suspected dead animals to avoid any type of contamination or contagion from other animals or people.”

State agencies stated that “Recent detection in marine mammals does not affect the animal health status self-declared to the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA),

Argentina is considered HPAI-free in poultry. “

«Senasa continues to cooperate with different regional, national, provincial, municipal organizations and production departments, since Vigilance should be exercised given the behavior of the disease and the patterns in which it spreads and spreads.

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What to Do Before a Dead Animal Appears

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* Restrictions on access to the beach: It is strongly requested not to enter the affected beach area. Avoiding touching these areas can help significantly reduce the risk of contagion.

* Pet Control: Recall of ban on bringing pets to beaches. Exposure of livestock to the virus is very dangerous and facilitates its spread.

* Distance from sea lions and dead birds: If you see sea lions or spot dead birds, it is recommended to keep a safe distance and avoid direct contact. This minimizes the chance of the virus spreading.

* Avoid contaminating the surface: It is advised not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous membranes, or bird droppings, whether wild or free-ranging.

* Sick or Dead Bird Reports: If you come across sick or dead wild and domestic birds, contact Senasa authorities immediately through the nearest local office, send a notification using the SENASA notification app for Android devices Email notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar or call 11 5700 5704 or by filling out the online form.

for the authorities “At this moment, the cooperation and responsibility of all is essential to control the spread and safeguard the health of the people”

“All sectors of society are requested to stay informed about the situation through official channels and follow the instructions of the intervening agency authorities.”