Bird flu kills more than 20 sea lions in Tierra del Fuego

The National Agri-Food Hygiene and Quality Service (Senasa) has announced the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 infection in a wild mammal in Argentina. The news came from Tierra del Fuego, where 21 sea lions were killed by the tsunami. Avian Influenza.The discovery marks a worrying milestone becauseSo far, there have been no records of the disease in marine mammals in the country.

The sea lions were found dead in Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego. Given the sudden high death rate, Take immediate action and send samples to Senasa National Laboratory for your analysis.The results confirmed the existence of Avian Influenza Seven of 21 animals were examined.

So far, there have been two suspected cases Avian Influenza in sea lions, but both tested negative. However, this finding highlights the possibility that marine mammals may be susceptible to the disease, This phenomenon has also been seen in other countries in the region, such as Peru and Chile.

The discovery is part of Senasa’s nationwide surveillance and prevention campaign To protect animal and human health. In addition, it seeks to preserve its recently acquired status as a free state. Avian Influenza in poultry.

What measures has Senasa taken to prevent bird flu?

To address this dire situation, Senasa has partnered with the provincial government and the city of Rio Grande to form a monitoring committee.where they will take care of Coordinate control and containment measures in affected areas.

To minimize impact on wildlife and the environment, sanitation protocols have been implemented in the affected areas. Access and roads in coastal areas of the Rio Grande Reserve have been closed as a precautionary measure. Likewise, samples were collected and sent to Buenos Aires for exhaustive analysis.