Bird flu is under control in Panama, authorities say

He Minister of Agricultural Development, Augusto Valderrama ensures that the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza or bird flu in Panama is under control with only three cases detected by laboratory tests.

Valderrama referred to the first case of pelicans found by researchers from Smithsonian Institution 32 kilometers from the sea in the Las Perlas archipelago. It was a migratory bird outside the national territory.

Another case was reported in another exotic migratory bird in the Vacamonte area of ​​western Panama, also far from production areas.

The third case was caused by a series of backyard birds (chickens) that died in the Calovébor area bordering the province of Colón in a very remote area.

In this case, more than 2,500 birds were sacrificed, including some birds such as parrots or parakeets, and a complete sanitary fence was installed.

Valderrama pointed out that the cases are under control thanks to the quick action of the Avian Fever Emergency Committee and inter-institutional support.

The Ministry of Agriculture records more than 300 complaints, of which only three have been confirmed, he repeated.

“Practically all of Latin America is positive for bird flu, and that’s because of migratory birds that go from the North Pole to the South Pole and vice versa, due to the change of seasons”indicated.

The head of agriculture recommended compliance with biosecurity measures in production facilities. Currently, circulation is suspended in areas with a high concentration of birds such as Western Panama and Santiago.

That includes the issue of cockpits in nearby areas to reduce risk, he said.

Bird flu is under control in Panama, says the Minister of Agricultural Development, @AugustoRamonV. Only three cases were laboratory confirmed. @victorarosmena pic.twitter.com/NObSOiHiZN

— PanamaAmerica (@PanamaAmerica) March 14, 2023