They announced a quarantine in Gorgona to prevent bird flu infection

They declared a preventive quarantine for the entire island of Gorgona, located in the Pacific Ocean of Colombia. reason?For several months, government officials natural national park they suspect Avian Influenza The situation of bird species after the prevention and control inspection (Also see: Gorgona Park temporarily closed to prevent bird flu infection).

In fact, on August 5, the entire park was declared quarantined for the same reason, and 94 species died. seabirds. The Colombian Institute of Agricultural Research (ICA) went to collect biological samples and analysis revealed clinical signs consistent with avian influenza. Therefore, without a clear reopening date, a resolution was issued banning the transit of tourists, fishermen and members of neighboring communities.

This time, a preventive quarantine was announced for the entire island on August 11. The ICA made the announcement, along with a series of recommendations.Currently, the most notable Entry, transit and departure of people across the island is restricted.

Cleaning and disinfection measures will be implemented for the following elements: Luggage and shoes of persons who must leave the island.

Death disposal activities will also be carried out in situ on bodies found on beaches. (Don’t miss: Quarantine in Gorgona National Park due to the presence of bird flu).

“Due to the high mortality of wild birds in the park, the ICA performed appropriate epidemiological surveillance in order to make a conclusive laboratory diagnosis and possibly implement additional sanitation controls necessary to maintain the status of wild birds. self-declared disease-free countries and endorsed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA), “, ICA said in a statement.

ICA also reminds all natural or legal persons entering, transiting through or working in national natural parks not to:

• Move healthy or sick birds.
• Mobilization of any avian risk material without taking necessary measures to prevent the spread of HPAI virus.
• Handle any birds with signs consistent with avian influenza and/or dead birds.
• Come in contact with commercial birds and/or backyard birds on your own or others’ property in cities near Gorgona Island National Park.
• Attend an animal focus event, such as a guts meeting or a live bird market square.

When did Gorgona suspect bird flu?

Several ICA officials visited Gorgona between 24 and 26 February and confirmed the presence of bird flu after taking samples from several pelicans.

A few weeks ago, PNN workers noticed that the animals were behaving strangely: Some individuals had difficulty moving and their necks twisted and drooped.

now, as he said audience Colombia’s ICA general manager, María del Pilar Ruiz Molina, said the situation was still under control. “The country remains ‘bird flu-free’. The virus has not reached commercial farms”, he stressed a few days ago.

In fact, more than 300,000 birds have been monitored and about 50,000 birds have been euthanized, a far cry from figures in countries such as the United States, which have euthanized more than 50 million animals. The country’s first source of infection, which occurred last year on the Colombian coast (Sucre, Córdoba, Chocó, etc.), has been completely contained.

The country’s food chain has not been affected and there is no risk to humans. The ICA also recently issued a resolution to create a pool of influenza A vaccines, but the pros and cons are still being studied.

“The virus is believed to have migrated in last year via the Central American route. First, Backyard birds affected in Choco, Sucre, Córdoba and Bolivar provinces. Now, the southern part of the country has a greater impact, with several outbreaks concentrated in Nariño,” Ruiz Molina told the newspaper.

On 18 October 2022, the first outbreak of avian influenza was reported in Acandi (Chocó), Colombia. Less than a month later, on November 11, the ICA declared a state of emergency through Resolution 22990.

As Ruiz Molina explained, There are no risks associated with consuming eggs or chicken. Human cases of bird flu are extremely rare. According to the World Health Organization, only 868 cases were reported from 21 countries between 2003 and November 25, 2022.

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