Radio Neuquén interviewed Dina Migani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Government of Rionegro, about the presence of avian influenza on the Rionegro coast.
In August, the presence of sea lions killed by avian influenza began to be observed not only in Rio Negro but also along the entire Argentine Sea coast, Migani said. For this purpose, the Inter-Agency Crisis Committee was established, composed of professionals from the Secretariat; Environmental Health Department of the Ministry of Health; Jurisdiction of the city of Viedma and other municipalities that make up the Rio Negro coast; Senesa; Navy Department, Rio Negro The National University of Negro and the police will conduct permanent surveillance to advise residents and disseminate accurate information on the issue.
The committee was formed in the first place to prevent continued spread of the virus between wolves, coastal pets and/or humans.
“Recently, sea lion deaths have been decreasing,” Migani said. It also explains the procedures for burying sea lions that died of avian influenza in accordance with safety regulations.
Migani said they hope the peak of contagion has passed and this is reflected in the statistics. He admitted it was impossible to predict what would happen in the summer. The aim is to raise awareness not to approach sea lions.