Senasa confirms bird flu kills young parents

Senasa confirmed the presence of bird flu in the flamingos found dead in the Antofagasta lagoon last Monday.

Carlos Barrionuevo, Director of the Department of Environmental Management, mentioned in a conversation with the radio station El Esquiú 95.3 that some of the lagoons in Antofagasta de la Sierra are experiencing the deaths of Parinas girls ( commonly known as flamingos).

He said: “We are experiencing a very special situation, with dead girls appearing in some of the lagoons in Antofagasta de la Sierra, one of the three species we call flamingos in Argentina. “

“They seemed to have died last Monday,” he added, “as reported by our park rangers in the settlement of El Penion, taking into account this situation we immediately initiated a protocol jointly with Senasa to “We will continue to take samples to determine the possibility of avian influenza being present. “

“On Thursday evening we confirmed that three of the six samples sent tested positive for influenza.

This communication is mandatory because of the dangers that can arise if in contact with livestock species and poultry farms; that is why it is necessary to remind people to take care of the animals,” Barrio Nuevo explained.

Next, he said that only these cases are known at this time, but said that because they are migratory birds, infections may continue to occur.

“We are working hard to determine the cause of this incident. Avian influenza is one of many viruses that infect wild birds, and around 17 strains have been identified so far; some are highly pathogenic, others not so much. For example, in cases like These birds, after a long migration, arrive at a place where they are very exhausted and cannot recover under certain conditions. Their metabolic state, especially their defense capabilities, declines, and then avian influenza takes its toll,” he said. emphasize.

Finally, he said, “Anyone who visits these areas should report the presence of dead animals to the police and is strongly advised not to approach these birds as, although the likelihood is low, it can be transmitted to humans.”