Uruguay ‘concerned’ by bird flu cases in Argentine sea lions, begins swab testing

Infected animals on the coast of neighboring countries increase “Attention” to Uruguay,Confirmed to be observer Richard Tresurhead of an NGO SOS Marine Fauna.

“In the Pacific, it’s spread everywhere and it’s spreading through Argentina.the coast Mar del Plata is a few kilometers from the sea of ​​Uruguay,”

Tesore explained that he understands this Bird flu virus ‘already mutated’because previously it could only be transmitted to mammals through infected birds, but now “It appears that it also spreads between mammals.”

Tesoré said Uruguayan authorities They have begun sampling marine mammals Off the coast of Uruguay to identify possible cases of avian influenza.He went on to say that so far, they have studied Between 10 and 20 “alive or dead” animals have appeared on the country’s beaches.

The head of the NGO clarified that Dead sea lions on coast ‘normal’,Whether it is “Because of the cold, or because of fishing”. However, because they “suspected” they had the virus, they decided to start swabbing the animals.

Until this Sunday, August 27th Sea lions have yet to report positive cases of bird flu in Uruguay.

Despite precautions, no protocol

last week the government Suspension of the bird flu health emergency, the decree came after dozens of birds died across the country earlier this year.Argentine sea lion cases rise days later That put Uruguay on the alert again.

so far There is no ‘deal’ for the possible arrival of bird flu Walk through sea lions, detail Tesor.

In Argentina some beaches started recommending it don’t put down the dogbecause the disease can be transmitted from one mammal to another.

Tesore added that the virus has also It can spread to humans through ‘wolf feces and urine’

.However, he clarified that in Uruguay the Any precautions against bird flu are not recommended on the beach.

However, the director of SOS Fauna Marina People are advised to ‘leash their dogs’ when going to the beachnot only because of the possible contact with sea lions, but because these animals “harm” different members of the marine fauna.