The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) of Uruguay declared this Tuesday a health emergency throughout the national territory after the detection of cases of highly pathogenic avian flu (H5) in wild birds in the departments of Maldonado, Rocha and Canelones, as reported by the health portfolio in its official resolution.
The decision is based on a technical report from the General Directorate of Livestock Services, which determined that the presence of the virus in wildlife represents a risk to animal health, public health and the environment, and implies preventive health measures to contain the disease and reduce its spread.
Among the main provisions of the health emergency is the restriction of all bird movements within the country, except for those that are under the control of the Poultry Monitoring System. In addition, it was established that backyard birds and those that are part of “Free Range” production systems must remain housed in closed and covered facilities to reduce the possibility of contact with infected birds.
The decree also suspends auctions, fairs, exhibitions and other events linked to the avian species as a preventive measure, and reinforces biosafety measures throughout the territory to protect both producers and the general population.
The authorities urged extreme precautions, avoid contact with sick or dead birds and immediately notify official offices of any suspected new detections, with the aim of facilitating epidemiological surveillance and control of the virus.
The first case of highly pathogenic avian flu in this chain was detected on February 20 in a coscoroba swan in the Laguna Garzón area, in the east of the country, which activated the contingency protocols provided for in Uruguayan health regulations.
