The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) confirmed the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a common sea lion in Chile.
The animal was found on La Rinconada beach in the Antofagasta commune, the same place where the first case was found.
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The national director of Sernapesca, Soledad Tapia Almonacidindicated in Radio Bio Bio that through the SAG laboratories – the organization that analyzes this type of test in our country – this second case was confirmed.
Tapia specified that the animal -which is an adult female- when it was found presented associated symptoms, in other words, it had muscle spasms, respiratory distress and decay. The sea lion died and after that it was handed over to the SAG for sampling.
The director of the agency said that this case confirms the deaths of two marine mammals, two penguins and seabirds that are part of Sernapesca’s jurisdiction due to avian influenza.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza corresponding to the H5 variant of the virus has been detected in wild birds in 11 regions of the country, as well as other countries in the American continent such as the United States, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, among others.
Faced with this scenario, Sernapesca announced the activation of a special plan for this contingency and there are already works with the Presidential Delegation of Antofagasta, the SAG, Minsal, Senapred, and local and regional authorities.
Likewise, they reiterate that, if you find yourself with a stranded animal, be it dead or alive, they call not to touch or handle it; In addition, to call the line 800 320 032.
