this Avian Influenza Once again, it has become a matter of concern to everyone Uruguay, Although this time it was due to infection sea lion The first official case was registered in the country in recent days after the Ministry of Health confirmed the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) Tuesday this week. According to portfolio holders, Fernando Matos, they already are “Dozens of Dead Sea Lions” Four departments lost their lives due to bird flu.
The figures vary depending on the sources consulted and the progress of epidemiological studies before new cases are confirmed.Last Tuesday, MGAP confirmed the first case Avian Influenza in wild mammals hill beach, Montevideo, And the next day, SOS NGO Marine Animal Rescue Confirm from Montevideo until Rocha.
Meanwhile, although no public statement has been made yet, the general manager Livestock services MGAP’s, Diego de Freitas, The newspaper confirmed that three animals have been found dead due to Avian Influenza exist Punta del Este and three others on the coast pyriapolis and pine forest, There were 17 dead sea lions in total.In total this will give seven confirmed cases.
In response, Minister Matos confirmed that “dozens of wolves” had died. four departments — despite epidemiological confirmation after swab testing of animals —; despite insisting that “the mortality rate remains low”. Regardless, the leader warned, “There is no way to detect the population or the level of virus transmission.”
exist Uruguay Sea lions have two important habitats, namely cape polonio in Rocha and wolf island exist Maldonado. The latter is the largest protected area for the species South Americaso the worry is even greater.
“What’s happening is we’re getting infected H5 virus, which is similar, I don’t think it’s the same virus that affected birds not too long ago, but that has yet to be verified. “Matos said, explaining that currently MGAP is conducting swab tests and sequencing to detect whether the virus has mutated. It will also consult with other countries that have experienced similar situations.
Possibly worrisome situations at the regional level
at the same time Uruguay The epidemic is still in its early stages Avian Influenza Sea lions – Experts expect the peak to occur only in a month and a half, while MGAP authorities are already monitoring the birds and analyzing and, if necessary, declaring a health emergency -; Argentina The southern province’s own coast is already experiencing worrying conditions fire nation until silver sea.
According to Argentine media reports, it is now close to 250 dead specimens Distributed in thirteen coastal stations.In February this year, my country reported the death of poultry due to avian influenza for the first time; end of july The first cases of affected sea lions appeared on the beaches of Tierra del Fuego.
After that, the epidemic spread northward along the coast until a new epidemic appeared in China. Miramar Necochea and Mar del Plata, an important beach in the province Buenos Aires.
This is a situation that needs to be considered Global, since Early 2023 Similar outbreaks have been documented in different coastal locations and marine animal communities peaceful. this is the case Peru, first, then chili, Their alarm sounded over the summer as sea lions became infected while in Argentina and the U.S. Uruguay The virus is spreading among wild birds and poultry.
In the case of Chile, this is calculated until the end of March 1,535 sea lions die from bird fluand the virus also spread to penguin, At least 730 specimens were killed.
Given this background, Minister Matos hopes to be able to resort to The experience of countries in the region Controlling and addressing mammalian outbreaks that may occur within national territory is, above all, preventing their spread to birds and ultimately to poultry production systems.