Avian flu: the first case in poultry is confirmed, and Argentina suspends the export of chicken and eggs

The National Service for Health and Quality of Agriculture (Senasa) confirmed the first positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in poultry of the province of Río Negro, the Government reported tonight.

In this way, the country temporarily loses its disease-free status and automatically suspends the export of poultry products in accordance with international standards, the information adds.

The amount of the impact of the decision on exports amounts to About 450 million dollars, official sources confided to El Cronista.

BIRD FLU

He @Senasa_AR the first confirmed case in poultry. This is a broiler facility in Mainque, Río Negro, located south of the zoophytosanitary barrier, an area of ​​low poultry density. pic.twitter.com/jQtUCaCTay

— Juan José Bahillo (@JuanjoBahillo) March 1, 2023

“okay dEmphasize that the consumption production of poultry in the country will continue to develop normally since HPAI is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat and eggs. Likewise, those refrigerated trucks that export will be able to market their products on the domestic market,” the Government reported.

The positive case comes from a broiler facility located in the city of Mainque, Río Negro province, south of the Patagonian zoophytosanitary barrier, in an area of ​​low poultry density.

Senasa has decided to implement appropriate control measures, as set out in the Avian Influenza Contingency Manual, to avoid the spread of the disease in other facilities that produce commercial birds.

At the same time, according to international protocols, Senas authorities will officially communicate the news to the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO).

Authorities, experts and technicians from Senasa are already working to restore the disease-free status of the country as soon as possible, and restore poultry exports.

In this way, of the 177 notifications analyzed to date by the Senas Laboratory, there are 25 confirmed cases in wild birds (3), backyards (21) and the commercial sector (1) distributed as follows: 13 in Córdoba, 4 in Buenos Aires, 2 in Río Negro, 2 in Santa Fe, 1 in Jujuy, 1 in Neuquén, 1 in San Luis and 1 in Salta.