Ecuador launches avian influenza surveillance program – Metro Puerto Rico

The Ecuadorian government has launched an avian influenza monitoring and surveillance program after a large number of dead birds were found in the “El Morro” nature reserve near the city of Guayaquil, according to the government.

“In view of the recent alert raised by fishermen in the ‘El Morro’ paddock regarding the presence of dead birds, we inform you that we have immediately initiated protocols for the surveillance, monitoring and final disposal of wild animals, such as migratory birds and inhabitants of the habitat. the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition said in a statement.

They added that “an active surveillance phase, including surveillance and sampling, is also underway and will continue into next week.”

The first samples have been sent to laboratories at the University of San Juan Francisco in Quito and the National Institute of Public Health, where six cases of avian influenza have been confirmed.

They therefore ask citizens to contact emergency services if they spot sick or dead wild animals, birds or mammals and not to approach or handle them under any circumstances.

“Similarly, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and their affiliated entities have been notified to strengthen the corresponding biosecurity protocols. In addition, access to the frigatebird habitat (a bird that lives in the tropics) is restricted and the area’s The vessel and personnel adhere to strict biosecurity protocols,” they explained.