Madrid, November 12 (Euronews) –
The Ecuadorian government has launched an avian influenza surveillance and monitoring program after reports of dead birds in the natural enclosure “El Morro” near the city of Guayaquil.
“In view of the recent alert issued 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, surveillance and final disposal of wild animals, such as migratory birds and inhabitants of the habitat. the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition reported in a statement.
“In addition, an active surveillance phase, including surveillance and sampling, is ongoing and will continue into next week,” they added.
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 Ministries of Health, Agriculture and their affiliated entities have also been notified to strengthen corresponding biosecurity protocols. In addition, access to the frigate habitat – a species of bird that lives in the tropics – is restricted and vessels and personnel in the area adhere to strict biosecurity protocols,” they explained.