Bird flu in dogs: Senasa’s advice to avoid contagion 145 dead sea lions

as a result of Sea lion deaths increase due to bird flu From Ushuaia to Mar del PlataVeterinarian and Director, National Poultry Health Program, National Agri-Food Sanitation and Quality Service (Senasa), Maria Eugenia Ferrer,Interpreted as Page|12 How the disease persists and advice for people and pets in the affected area avoid getting infected.

So far, national institutions 145 sea lion specimens reported to have died from infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 Throughout the territory of Argentina, the same influenza affects poultry and poultry.

Spas in several provinces have had to restrict public access for health and safety reasons.So far, there have been positive cases grande river (Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Islands); in Punta Bermeja Nature Reserve and in San Antonio Eastin Rionegro; in Loyola PointSanta Cruz Province; in pyramid portin Chubut; and on the Atlantic coast Necocia, silver sea, claromeko, Mayors of San Blas, Quiquen and Bratovic.

The expert confirmed that infectivity between mammals “has not been fully demonstrated,” although she clarified that so far there have been no reports of suspected illness in dogs and cats, Pet owners are advised to avoid walking in infected areas

and recommend pets always on leash That way they won’t be tempted into these areas, and won’t sniff or bite animals (whether live or dead) with suspicious symptoms. also, Emphasize the importance of contacting Senasa through official channels.

Senasa’s recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus

Given the number of cases of avian influenza in aquatic mammals in coastal resorts and busy areas of the country, Senasa recommends that:

• avoid entry and circulation Number of people and vehicles on the beach or in the affected area
• When sea lions are present, do not approach Avoid direct contact or approach by pets
• Avoid direct contact with wild birds watching them from afar
• Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with wild bird secretions or droppings
• If you find any Animals that are stressed or deadavoid direct contact and inform Senasa.

Bird flu in sea lions: what are the risks?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5, commonly known as avian influenza, is a viral disease this affects both poultry, such as wild birds.

It is a”foreign diseaseThe veterinarian detailed that it was first seen in Argentina in February 2023. After months of efforts to reduce the outbreak, early august, National agency declares Argentina bird flu-free before OMSA.

However, after a few days, things got worse: they started reporting in the country First contagious case of the disease in an aquatic mammaland, Infected sea lions have a high mortality rate.

“The first hypothesis about the death of sea lions is that directly infected poultryor via Touching surfaces contaminated with feces from infected birdsFerrell explained.

Cases of sea lion deaths Starts in Peru in November 2022.Situation in February spread to chile“and essentially, later arrived in fuego” said the expert, noting that the first positive case of the disease in an aquatic mammal in Argentina August 11. “Despite our suspicions in previous months, the samples came back negative,” he said.

According to Ferrer, Senasa has previously reported cases of bird flu in seagullsand consider them to be Major transmitter of virus to sea lions. “They come into direct contact with infected wild birds, share the same habitat’, he pointed out.

Can humans get bird flu?

This new flu situation alerted environmental and health authorities across the country as Raises new questions about the fitness of the virus in other mammals and humansand its consequences.

at present, Experts clarified that there were no reports of suspected infections in dogs and cats.but in humans, the situation is different.

Even with known cases of infected birds, Bird flu can be transmitted to humans People who have been in contact with sick birds, but the Ministry of Health and the National Aviation Safety Administration guarantee this phenomenon this is not common

.

The spread of avian influenza in humans may be through direct contact with infected animals (live or dead) or through the air“When the secretions or feces of an infected bird are inhaled or the virus enters Mouth, nose or Eye“.

However, the government emphasized that The risk of transmission to humans is still considered low, and to clarify that it is not transmitted through food ingestion.

“like covid-19’ Ferrer explained, regarding the seriousness of human infection with bird flu, and offered: “The more risk factors a person has, more likely to develop serious illnessHe also stressed that there is currently no vaccine that can be given and reduce symptoms.

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