MSP declared a health emergency throughout the country for the first case of avian influenza
The virus is transmitted by direct contagion with the animal and there is no cure, so it could cause damage to poultry production.
After the Animal Health Division of the General Directorate of Livestock Services of the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) iwill report the detection of the first case of avian influenza virus (H5) of high pathogenicity in a wild specimen of black-necked swan in Laguna Garzón, border between the departments of Maldonado and Rocha, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) declared a health emergency throughout the country.
The ministry pointed out that it is an exotic viral disease that is registered for the first time within the national territory and that 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.
As there is no cure, it could cause significant damage to poultry production, the ministry warned.
In addition, they indicated that the MSP is in permanent coordination with the MGAP and the National Emergency System “articulating the necessary actions for the efficient control of this focus and the containment of any new health event that could occur.”
According to the Animal Health Division, the situation presented responds to the epidemiological model that is taking place in different regions of South America. In this sense, they reported that 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.
Precautions
The agency clarified that the consumption of poultry meat or eggs “does not affect human health,” but contact with birds sick with influenza “can affect humans, so the population is urged to notify the presence of dead birds.” or with nervous, digestive or respiratory symptoms”, therefore “do not touch, do not move and give notice by mail to https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/influenza-aviar or the local MGAP zonal offices”.
They also pointed out that 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,” added the MGAP, which submitted the official notification of this finding to the World Organization for Animal Health and the Mercosur Permanent Veterinary Committee. .
“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,” they added.
Measures
In addition to the declaration of a health emergency, the MSP restricted “all movements within the national territory of backyard birds and birds that are not controlled through the Poultry Monitoring System.”
Said restriction will not apply to the movements of birds that are controlled through the Poultry Monitoring System.
Meanwhile, 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. .
On the other hand, fairs, auctions, exhibitions and events related to the avian species are suspended.
Finally, the MGAP recommended poultry producers to: “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 mesh in good condition on the sides and gates of the shed; place disinfection devices at the entrance of the establishment and the sheds; use exclusive clothing for working with birds; avoid contact of commercial birds with wild ones and prevent domestic birds from sharing water sources with wild birds.
