as quantity sea lion Concern about the epidemic of atypical behavior increased due to avian influenza, and some authorities closed beaches until the situation stabilized. This phenomenon spreading in Argentina is neither new nor indigenous, it started late last year in Ecuador, spread to Latin America, reached Chile, in April they reported 1,535 infections in sea lions and 730 in penguins, and they are currently Analyze this phenomenon. Uruguay.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Between 2022 and 2023, the Americas region will experience Avian Influenza In highly pathogenic animals associated with subtype A (H5N1)” and “This epidemic causes high morbidity and mortality in poultry such as hens, chicks and wild birds; this poses a real threat to the animals , also poses a potential threat to humans. “
As of the first week of July, 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean had registered cases of A(H5N1) infection in animals, according to Latin American and Caribbean authorities WHO“A situation of this magnitude has never occurred in the region; although there have been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in previous years, mainly in North America, the rest of the region has not had this impact or spread.”
according to Pan American Health Organization, “Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease that primarily affects birds and is caused by viruses in the Orthomyxoviridae family,” but it has seen a shocking mutation this season. According to information released by the World Health Organization, “in this case, the main concern is that the virus has shown adaptations to different species, especially mammals that may be biologically closer to humans.”
this United Nations On June 27, 2023, the Polish International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point notified the World Health Organization of unusual cat deaths in different parts of the country, with 47 cats analyzed on July 11, the UN said. . Of the samples from 46 cats and one captive feral cat, 29 tested positive for influenza A(H5N1). In this case, 14 cats had to be sacrificed, 11 of them died.
Currently, according to unofficial figures, the number of infections in this domesticated mammal will reach 80 cases, and the source of cats’ exposure to the virus remains unclear, although several studies are underway to find out. The phenomenon, along with an increase in cases of sea lions in Argentina, has alarmed veterinarians and local authorities concerned about the dangers to the pets and how they could be a pathway for human contact.
Juan Pablo LoreiroA veterinarian and technical director for the SeaWorld Foundation told MDZ that to prevent sea lions from becoming infected, people must “avoid touching them, and our pets should not be near them.” He also advises “always maintaining a distance of more than six meters between animals, living or dead”, and calling health authorities if you notice anything strange.
Senasa’s suggestion
- In the presence of wild animals such as birds and birds sea lion sick or dead, stay away and avoid direct contact.
- Keep pets responsibly and limit their access to beaches with sick or dead animals.
- Immediately notify the presence of sick or dead wildlife.
