They stressed the importance of investing in on-farm biosecurity measures

The USDA delegation arrived in China to hold a meeting with the Paraguayan Poultry Farmers Association (Avipar) to discuss strengthening cooperation on avian influenza. Néstor Zarza, president of the alliance, said experts pointed out the importance of improving biosecurity measures before considering vaccinating birds..

In a communication with La Nación/Nación Media, representatives of the sector stated that North American countries have extensive experience in how to control epidemics. “The country continues to invest in biosecurity on farms, rather than focusing on vaccines as some countries have done.“Based on the standards, injections can only be an immediate solution, but are harmful in the long run,” he said.

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The main reason this happens is that the vaccine may close the market for the poultry industry.. “That’s where you lock yourself into the internal market, and depending on the actual situation in each country, that’s not the best way out,” he explained to LN. Even if compensation is provided, experience shows that such monetary possibilities for small producers mean that protection through the health system will not progress.

Experts cite as an example another measure taken by U.S. producers, who not long ago enacted a law for certain states, such as California, stating Backyard bird keepers are prohibited from raising birds within 300 to 500 meters of industrial production areas. Likewise, the equipment required for slaughtering during an outbreak was also discussed.

“We must remember that the country is very calm today, but the work that must be done is always on the assumption that the lights can be turned on at any time.. This is an experience that can be replicated in all regions of the world. ” he commented. So far, the five foci of bird flu in our country are in Marshal Estigarribia, Neulan Colonia, Fernheim Colonia, Faro Moro and Lapa After Tria’s discovery, the closure was announced.

The agenda, which will run until September 15, includes visits to industrial and poultry farms in the central sector., as well as the regional unit and headquarters of the Animal Health Services Foundation (Fundassa) in the Chacoboqueron department of Paraguay. Tomorrow Friday, Senacsa will report the results of the visit and will declare a health emergency caused by avian influenza.

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