Bird flu: cases of sea lion infection in six areas of Buenos Aires

So far this year, sea lions infected with avian influenza have been found in six coastal areas of Buenos Aires province, and the government is taking different “health actions to control the epidemic.”

The data comes from the latest epidemiological bulletin released by the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health on Friday (corresponding to the week of August 27 to September 2).

Official documents show that the municipalities of Puerto Quican (Necochea), Mar del Plata (General Pueyrredon), San Blas (Patagones), Claromeco (Tres Arroyos), Mayor Bulatovic (Villarino) and Belgrano Positive cases of avian influenza were found in Coronel de Port. Marina Leonardo Rosales).

The Ministry of Health stated that the port of Belgrano “registered 4 exposed persons, among whom a suspected case was reported, which was ruled out by the ANLIS-Malbrán National Reference Laboratory and the situation is progressing smoothly.” He elaborated: “All exposed persons have completed Follow-up.”

In addition to the sea lion infection cases found in the province of Buenos Aires, Tierra del Fuego (Rio Grande), Rio Negro (Punta Bermeja, San Antonio del Este, Sierra Grande), San Antonio Sea lion infections have also been detected in the provinces of Cruz (Punta Loyola and Puerto de Seado) and Chubut. (Puerto Piramides, Puerto Madryn and Camarones).

“Based on this situation, the national health organization met with municipal, provincial and national agencies to communicate intervention options for these cases and coordinate strategies and health actions to control the outbreak and provide information to the government,” the province detailed. “.

“In addition, within the sampling program, the burial sites of suspected dead animals were identified together with local authorities to avoid any type of contamination or contagion to other animals or people,” they explained in the Buenos Aires bulletin.

Recommendations to avoid contagion include “Do not handle dead animals or animals with suspicious symptoms,” “Keep a safe distance and avoid direct contact with sea lions and other marine mammals, as well as sick or dead birds,” and “Do not make contact.” access affected restricted beach areas” and “avoid the presence of pets on the beach, essentially preventing pets from coming into contact with wildlife, their excrement or contaminated surfaces. “

Those who notice “high mortality, neurological, digestive and/or respiratory symptoms in susceptible species of wild birds or commercial or backyard domestic birds” can apply in person by phone (11 5700 5704), through “Senasa Notification”, electronically by email (notifications@senasa.gob.ar) or on the agency’s website.

In the meantime, “if a person has been exposed to an animal that is susceptible to illness or death and begins to experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, etc.” they should “quickly consult health services and report the exposure.” (DIB) MT