Madrid, November 12 (European Press) –
The Ecuadorian government has activated an avian influenza surveillance and surveillance program after reports of dead birds in the natural enclosure of “El Morro” near the city of Guayaquil.
“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 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 Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and their affiliated entities have also been notified to strengthen the corresponding biosecurity protocols. In addition, when entering the habitat of frigatebirds (a bird living in tropical areas), strict enforcement of regulations on board and personnel in the area are adhering to biosecurity protocols,” they explained.