The Montevideo Provincial Emergency Center (Cecoed) removed two dead sea lions from the beach where they were found on Wednesday. The first case of bird flu was recorded in Cerro Beach in August, but since then 36 animals, including wolves and sea lions, have been found dead on the Montevideo coast. In other parts of the country, the number of cases is in the dozens.
A veterinarian from the emergency services of the city of Montevideo commented that given the health condition of the sea lions, if a dead animal is found on the coast, “all biosecurity measures will be taken and it will be considered positive (for avian influenza)” (IM), Martin Lima.
Veterinarians said Cecoed collected the animal’s carcass in coordination with IM’s Necropsy, Beaches and Emergency Department. The animal was transferred to the facility on Felipe Cardoso Road and buried there.
For its part, the Ministry of Livestock’s Dinara (National Agency for Aquatic Resources) is responsible for testing and monitoring every sick wolf or lion. Veterinarians from the IM Animal Welfare Department also stepped in and went to the scene to provide assistance to the animals.
“The big problem is now that the reproductive period begins,” said the IM veterinarian, adding, “The existence of abortion has been discovered and that is what causes this disease.”
What should we do if we find a dead animal on the beach?
IM remembers to maintain healthy barriers for people and livestock and calls for 1950 5000 Among other advice, there is a warning about the presence of animals on the coast.
• Do not approach animals, live or dead, found on the shore.
• Avoid taking pets to beaches where live or dead animals are found.
• Keep a distance of no less than 10 meters from them.
• If there is a sick live animal, do not disturb it and do not attempt to return it to the sea or take it to a rehabilitation center.
• Take the same precautions when dead or sick birds appear on the shore.