First cases of bird flu detected in Montevideo

After investigating the death of a group of chickens in the backyard, Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries of Uruguay they discovered the first cases of bird flu in Montevideo.

The portfolio indicated this in a statement in which it confirmed that there were ten affected animals and in which he explained that – after the complaint – another case was analyzed which was negative.

On February 15, Uruguay detected the first case of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu in its history. This disease was discovered in a black-necked swan found in the department (province) of Rocha, in the southeast of the country.

On the same day, the ministry declared a health emergency at a conference where the head of that department, Fernando Mattos, explained that the outbreak of the disease was not “surprise”.

Accordingly, he pointed out that, if the epidemiological evolution of the disease is observed, it can be seen that it is present on all continents and that it is progressing territorially in America.

“We are facing the circulation of a virus that has already been confirmed in Uruguay”Mattos said that day, adding that the first case was discovered by a park ranger from the National System of Protected Areas working in Laguna Garzón, located in the southeast of the country.

On the other hand, he pointed out that this disease “risk” for poultry production and for other domestic birds.

Likewise, after the publication of the news, the Ministry adopted a series of measures, among which it prohibited all movements within the national territory of backyard birds and birds that are not controlled by Poultry tracking system.

They were also suspended fairs, auctions, exhibitions and events related to bird species.

After the appearance of the first case, the portfolio reported the death of more than 100 birds in the same area, while days later confirmed a new outbreak in the department of Tacuarembó, in the northwest of the territory, where more than 70 animals died.