The National Food Hygiene and Quality Service (Senasa) confirmed today the detection of two new cases of high Pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 cases.
Senasa National Laboratory has diagnosed new disease-positive samples taken from sea lions (Otaria flavescens) that were found dead at the two sites.
To date, seven notifications have been received for sea lions, three of which have tested negative; the remaining positive cases detected were in the Rio Grande, Rio Negro, Necochea and Punta Loyo reported yesterday La (Santa Cruz) as well as in today’s case.
Senasa said in a statement that the findings come within the framework of nationwide surveillance operations and hygiene measures to prevent the disease after the HPAI declared a state of emergency.
Notably, from the day the National Health Service was notified of a suspected case, national health agencies met with municipal, provincial, and national agencies to communicate intervention options for these cases, coordinate health strategies and actions to contain the outbreak, and provide information to entities.
Furthermore, in the sampling programme, burial sites of suspected dead animals were identified together with local authorities to avoid any type of contamination or contagion from other animals or people.
Senasa also reported that recent test results in marine mammals do not affect the self-declared animal health status before the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO), and Argentina is considered free of HPAI in poultry.
Given the behavior of the disease and its mode of transmission and transmission, the agency will continue to maintain a state of vigilance in cooperation with different regions, as well as national, provincial and municipal organizations and production sectors, the agency said.
Among the recommendations, Senasa recommends “do not handle dead animals or animals with suspicious symptoms”.
It also reminds producers, institutions, and the public that they must report if high mortality, neurological, digestive, and/or respiratory symptoms of susceptible species are found in wild birds or in commercial or backyard poultry.
It also advises not to travel to poultry farms or wildlife habitats after exposure to dead animals or symptoms.
According to Senasa Resolution No. 153/2021, avian influenza is a notifiable disease in Argentina and anyone who observes fatal, neurological, digestive and/or respiratory symptoms in wild or domestic poultry can notify the agency.
The notification channel is the nearest Senasa office; phone number 11 5700 5704; the app “Senasa Notifications” for mobile devices, available on the Play Store; email notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar; and the Notifications Senasa section, available at found on its website. The Avian Influenza microsite contains more detailed information.