Ministries atmosphere(MA), Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries ( MGAP) and public health ( MSP) implement health measures to detect and act immediately to contain cases Avian Influenza exist sea lion.
In a statement to the public, authorities reminded the public that there is no cure for the disease in animals. The virus can cause severe muscular, nervous and respiratory effects that can lead to death.
The risk of infection to humans is very low, and there are currently no known cases of transmission from marine mammals to humans worldwide.
The Department of Environment, MGAP and MSP urge people to avoid direct contact of people and pets with live or dead sea lions. If you encounter these animals and suspect symptoms of H5 avian influenza, you must notify the National Agency for Aquatic Resources (Dinara) immediately by email: infodinara@mgap.gub.uy or denuncias.dinabise@ambiente.gub.uy.
There are currently no cases or open outbreaks of avian influenza among farmed, free-range or wild birds in the country, and detection in marine mammals does not affect animal health status.
The statement recalls that the H5 virus is transmitted through the mouth and respiratory tract and through secretions (saliva or mucus) and excretions (urine, feces); it can survive in the environment for a limited time, which time varies depending on humidity, solar radiation, and wind Variety.
Bird flu does not affect fish, so eating bird flu and other seafood and poultry does not pose any risk to people’s health.
Authorities confirmed that steps have been taken for the final safe disposal of the carcasses of the affected sea lions and are actively monitoring coastal areas, islands and islets for possible cases.