NewsDesk @bactiman63
Uruguay officials report the country’s first highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5) virus case in a black-necked swan in Laguna Garzón, between the departments of Maldonado and Rocha.
According to a news release today (computer translated):
Avian Influenza is an exotic viral disease that is registered for the first time within the national territory. It is having a wide dispersion among birds from different continents. It is transmitted by direct contagion, verifying in South America the transmission through migratory birds that fly from contaminated areas in the north.
There is no cure for Avian Influenza, which is why it could cause significant damage to poultry production.
The Ministerio Ganaderia Agricultura Pesca (MGAP) is in permanent coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of the Environment and SINAE, articulating the necessary actions for the efficient control of this focus and the containment of any new health event that could occur.
The Animal Health Division of the General Directorate of Livestock Services of the MGAP reports that:
The situation presented responds to the epidemiological model that is taking place in different regions of South America.
Coordination actions are being carried out for the epidemiological investigation and tracking of birds with compatible symptoms in the properties of the affected area and in the lagoons of both departments.
The consumption of poultry meat or eggs DOES NOT AFFECT human health.
Contact with birds sick with influenza can affect humans, so the population is urged to notify the presence of dead birds or those with nervous, digestive or respiratory symptoms.
DO NOT TOUCH THEM, DO NOT TRANSFER THEM and GIVE NOTICE
by mail to [email protected] or to the local MGAP zonal offices.
It is essential to maintain and ensure biosecurity in commercial and backyard poultry farms.
We encourage producers and free practice veterinarians to be alert and report when suspicious cases are found.
The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries has already submitted the official notification of this finding to the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA) and the Permanent Veterinary Committee of Mercosur (CVP).
We urge all poultry farmers to take the biosecurity measures indicated in this regard by the health authority, in order to preserve production systems by avoiding the introduction of the pathogen.
Measures:
- A health emergency is declared throughout the country due to the discovery of H5 Avian Influenza in Laguna Garzón, departments of Maldonado and Rocha.
- All movements within the national territory of backyard birds and birds that are not controlled through the Poultry Monitoring System are restricted. Said restriction will not apply to the movements of birds that are controlled through the Poultry Monitoring System.
- Backyard birds and birds that make up the Free Range production system must be housed in closed, roofed facilities in compliance with the Avian Influenza Contingency Manual approved by DGSG resolution No. 20/2022 of January 17, 2022.
- Fairs, auctions, exhibitions and events linked to the avian species are suspended.
*Failure to comply with the provisions of this resolution will entail the application of the sanctions provided by article 144 of Law No. 13,835 of January 7, 1970 in the wording given by article 134 of Law No. 18,996 of November 7, 2012 and by article 285 of Law No. 16,736 of January 5, 1996 in the wording given by article 87 of Law No. 19,535 of September 25, 2017.
In addition, the Animal Health Division of the General Directorate of Livestock Services recommends that poultry producers:
- Extreme biosecurity measures on farms.
- Restrict the entry of people and vehicles to the establishment.
- Carry out strict cleaning and disinfection of work materials, facilities and vehicles that enter the farm.
- Keep up to date the records of visits and production.
- Place bird netting in good condition on the sides and gates of the shed.
- Place disinfection devices at the entrance of the establishment and the sheds.
- Wear exclusive clothing for working with birds.
- Avoid contact of commercial birds with wild ones.
- Prevent domestic birds from sharing water sources with wild birds.
The MGAP reinforces its commitment to human health and animal health through permanent surveillance and control of both the productive systems and the food chains of Uruguay.
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