Uruguay confirms first case of avian influenza in sea lion, they await sequencing to determine mode of infection

this uruguayan authorities comfirmed first case Avian Influenza among sea lionsand pointed out that there are Other suspected cases on the country’s coast, so they urge people not to approach the animals, either alive or dead.

On Tuesday, September 5, the first case of H5 avian influenza was detected in a wild mammal in Uruguay: Sea lion carcass found on Cerro Beach in Montevideothe Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) reported in a statement.

He said the animal was first seen with similar symptoms on Thursday, August 31, and was examined on September 2, with all appropriate swab tests taken that day.

Fernando Mattos, head of MGAP, told Channel 10 News: “We are waiting for sequencing to determine if an animal ingested a bird carrying the virus or if it was a transmission between species.” Su Bayardo.

“Hopefully this is a case that is washed away by the current circumstances. “We know the virus is spreading in Argentina.”he added.

In Argentina, bird flu outbreak breaks out along vast Atlantic coast It has claimed the lives of a hundred sea lionsofficial sources reported last week.

Matos said that Uruguay has not yet no active cases

This disease has been reported in poultry.

Due to the discovery of a case in a black-necked swan in the Lake Garzon region of eastern Uruguay, the Uruguayan authorities suspended the avian influenza health emergency promulgated on February 15 for 60 days on August 16.

MGAP said it took the decision 80 days after the last outbreak, but clarified that it maintained Current precautions throughout the national territory.

Death toll ‘unprecedented’

according to World Health Organizationcaused by avian influenza since 2020 Death toll ‘unprecedented’ in wild birds and poultry in many countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. The virus spread to North America in 2021 and then to Central and South America in 2022.

After first case of marine mammal confirmed, MGAP asked people Do not allow pets near or through fenced areas

To avoid the infection and spread of diseases.

Human infection with avian influenza is very rare, but when it occurs it can cause serious illnessthe mortality rate is very high

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