They confirm first case of bird flu in elephant seals in Chubut province

New cases of avian influenza in sea lions have been detected in Commodore Rivadavia, Radatili and Punta Tombo, and now there are confirmed cases in elephant seals.

According to the SENASA national laboratory, it diagnosed positive for the disease in new samples taken from sea lions and elephant seals found dead at the above-mentioned sites. Based on notifications, on-site assistance, sample collection and processing, avian influenza has been detected in a new species of marine mammal (elephant seal).

So far, positive cases of the disease, the first positive cases of this species, have been found in the Rio Grande province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and in the South Atlantic Islands; located in the Punta Bermeja Nature Reserve in Rio Negro; Necochea in Buenos Aires and Punta Loyola in Santa Cruz, Mar del Plata in Buenos Aires and Puerto Piramides in Chubut, Buenos Aires Claromeco and San Blas in Aires, San Antonio Este in Rio Negro, Mayor Bulatovic Aires of Balneario in Buenos Aires, Calle Ta Olivia, Santa Cruz, Puerto Madryn, Chubut and Rio Negro Grande, Camarone, Chubut and Puerto de Seado, Santa Cruz and today in Chubut’s case.

Avian influenza A is a notifiable disease caused by a virus that affects many birds but has never been seen in Argentina and is therefore considered exotic. Waterfowl, in particular, are considered important hosts for this virus.

Senasa recommends not handling dead animals or animals with suspicious symptoms. Likewise, producers, agencies and the public are reminded that notification must be made if high mortality, neurological, digestive and/or respiratory symptoms of susceptible species are detected in wild birds or commercial or backyard poultry.

It is also recommended not to travel to poultry farms or wildlife habitats after contact with dead animals or animals showing symptoms.

According to Senasa Resolution No. 153/2021, avian influenza is a notifiable disease in our country and anyone who notices death, neurological, digestive and/or respiratory symptoms in wild or domestic birds can notify the agency through the following channels:

In person at the nearest Senasa office, by calling 11 5700 5704; through the “Senasa Notifications” application for mobile devices (available in the Play Store); by sending an email to notification@senasa.gob.ar or through its website Notification Senasa section. More information on the avian influenza microsite.