The Rio Grande do Sul state government has issued recommendations and care for beachgoers during the holidays due to two cases of avian influenza and increased mortality among aquatic mammals. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has been detected in wildlife on Gauchas Beach, including birds such as whitefish swans and royal swans, as well as sea lions, sea lions and other marine mammals.
Photo: Seapi / Porto Alegre 24 Hours
Since a national animal health emergency was declared in May, 608 aquatic mammals have been found dead in the state, sparking growing concern. The government makes the following recommendations:
Do not approach or attempt to help an injured or wounded animal.
Avoid approaching dead animals.
Loop on the beach with dogs, cats or other domestic animals.
If you find a carcass or animal carcass on the beach, people are instructed to notify state agencies through two WhatsApp numbers provided by the local agriculture and environment department.
It is important to stress that there is no risk from the consumption of cooked or industrialized foods such as eggs and poultry, as avian influenza has not been recorded on poultry farms or non-state subsistence poultry farms. However, the government remains alert to two outbreaks of avian influenza registered in wildlife in the municipalities of Rio Grande, Santa Vitoria de Palma, Torres and São José Norte, as well as in the Taim Reserve.
People are urged to follow these guidelines to help curb the spread of avian influenza and keep the state’s coastal areas safe.