New bird flu outbreak confirmed in Buenos Aires and Rionegro sea lions

The National Food Hygiene and Quality Service (Senasa) confirmed today the detection of three new cases of of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 cases.Senasa National Laboratory diagnoses new samples positive for the disease, which were made at sea ​​lion found dead In the aforementioned town, according to a statement from the state agency.

Positive cases of the disease have so far been detected in the Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the islands of the South Atlantic; in the Punta Bermeja Nature Reserve in Rio Grande; in Buenos Aires Punta Loyola in Necochea and Santa Cruz; Puerto Piramides in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires and Chubut, and today in Cleromeco and San Bla Three of them.

These findings come within the framework of nationwide surveillance actions and health measures to prevent the disease, stipulated in the emergency declaration of HPAI-Senasa Resolution No. 147/2023.

From the day Senasa was notified of the suspected cases, the national health agency met with municipal, provincial and national agencies to communicate intervention options for these cases, coordinate strategies and health actions to control the outbreak, and provide information to the various entities, the statement said. Add to.

Furthermore, in the sampling protocol, together with the local authorities, sampling locations are identified. Burial of suspected dead animalsto avoid any type of contamination or contagion from other animals or humans.

Senasa also reported that Detection in marine mammals does not affect animal health Argentina has self-declared to the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA) that it recognizes the country as free of HPAI in poultry.

Senasa added that in view of the behavior of the disease and the form of its spread and spread, the organization continues to maintain a state of vigilance in cooperation with different regions as well as national, provincial, municipal organizations and production sectors.

Likewise, Senasa recommends Do not handle dead animals or animals with suspicious symptoms. Producers, institutions, and the public are reminded that they must report if high mortality, neurological, digestive, and/or respiratory symptoms in susceptible species are found in wild birds or in commercial or backyard poultry.

It is also advised not to travel to poultry farms or wildlife habitats after exposure to dead or symptomatic animals.

According to Senasa Resolution No. 153/2021, Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease in our country and anyone who notices dead, neurological, digestive and/or respiratory symptoms in wild or domestic poultry can notify the agency through the following channels:

You can submit notifications in person at the nearest Senasa office by calling 11 5700 5704; through the mobile device application “Senasa Notifications” available in the Play Store; by writing to email notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar, or via their website “Notifications to Senasa” section of the .