2023 will not be an easy year for poultry farming, as the arrival of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, affects commercial farms and foreign trade: capital losses for producers and lost sales due to exports Marks the fate of poultry. Meat and Eggs Department. But in August, thanks to the joint efforts of public and private institutions and Argentinian poultry chains, Argentina returned to the health status of an epidemic-free country. about, ximenaguaClarification from the National Animal Health Director of the National Agricultural Food Hygiene and Quality Service (Senasa) Clarin Village Hotel The actual situation.
-What is the current situation of the epidemic in Argentina?
– To understand the current avian influenza situation, it is important to distinguish between two subgroups of susceptible animals: first, commercial poultry farming, such as those found on commercial farms used for the production of eggs or meat; On the other hand, there are susceptible wildlife (marine mammals such as wild birds).
Within this group we also include backyard birds, which are also poultry but are not grown in commercial poultry farming but rather in people’s homes or in rural areas rather than for household or own consumption. Argentina experienced an outbreak of avian influenza in commercial poultry farming, which was quickly contained through containment and surveillance operations. These outbreaks are over.
Therefore, as of August this year, Argentina restored its poultry status as an avian influenza-free country and sent a self-declaration to the World Organization for Animal Health. Gradually, it received bilateral recognition from countries buying Argentinian poultry products, and the market began to recover.
Ximena Melón, from Senasa.-But new cases have appeared recently…
-The disease still exists, but in wild animals. We saw wild birds and, more recently, especially in the countries in the area, wild mammals. But it’s still not part of the commercial poultry farming industry.
-How do you evaluate Argentina’s efforts against avian influenza?
– Argentina works extremely efficiently. It first appeared in our country via wild birds in February of this year and began to spread, but in less than five months, the disease was under control in commercial poultry farming and backyard birds. There have been no outbreaks of these diseases since June this year.
Preparation work is very important. Health alerts have been issued since before the first outbreak and are working in an inter-agency and inter-sectoral manner with the Environment, Fauna, National Parks, Ministry of Health and Security Forces from different provinces and cities. It really paid off. Every agency knows what its role and job is. Action can then be taken quickly, coordinated and collaboratively. We also work very hard with the private sector and the public at large.
The focus is on communication to inform producers and the public about the current status of the disease and the prevention and control measures that must be taken. This work has been very successful and has been recognized bilaterally by the World Organization for Animal Health and purchasing countries.
– Which markets have recovered so far?
Important markets such as the EU, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong and some markets such as Peru that we have not yet exported to have recovered. However, an important export destination is missing, such as China, but we are working on it and we are close to regaining our status as an avian flu-free country.
What are the current recommendations?
The disease is present in wild populations, including mammals and birds. Precautions that must be taken relate to improving the biosecurity of the facility. Biosecurity measures must be adopted in poultry production. People will alert them to any suspicions, as it is important to resolve each situation quickly and take necessary containment measures.
-What did you learn?
– Interdepartmental and interagency working is key and it is important that cases continue to be reported so that action can be taken quickly. When it comes to containing disease, whether in wild commercial backyard birds, taking effective and swift action is key to preventing the virus from spreading further and spreading to more animals and farms.
Communication is also key. Senasa maintains transparency and harmonizes information between all relevant agencies and departments, providing the population and communities with information on the epidemiological occurrence of the disease. In addition, communication with other countries and transparency of the situation are also important. This allows us to quickly restore demanding markets like the EU.