Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in southern Brazil

On December 11, the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul confirmed an unprecedented 942 deaths of marine mammals due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The avian influenza virus initially circulated among marine mammals in Peru, then spread to South America, affecting wildlife in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and now Brazil.

Brazilian authorities are currently working to keep the flu virus out of commercial poultry flocks.

Animal carcasses need to be buried or destroyed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection to humans or other animals, said oceanographer Silvina Bota of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG).

In addition to seals and sea lions, scientists have also found several marine mammals suffering from seizures along local beaches due to the flu virus attacking their nervous systems. Under government health regulations, they will be euthanized to avoid a “painful death.”

Following Brazil’s first case of HPAI in wild birds in May, the country’s Ministry of Agriculture announced that preventive measures had prevented avian influenza outbreaks on commercial poultry farms. The outbreak could lead to an export ban for Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of chicken meat.

However, the virus has hit other animal populations, including seabirds, seals and sea lions. Officials have also collected samples from dead dolphins and penguins found on beaches, but none have been confirmed.

The initial diagnosis of HPAI-related marine mammal deaths in Rio Grande do Sul came in September, when the unusually high mortality rate caught the attention of scientists, Botha explained. Three cities in that state are still experiencing outbreaks.

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, 148 HPAI outbreaks have been recorded in the country, mainly along the coast. The ministry has also declared a health emergency to contain the disease, which is "not yet considered endemic in Brazil."

Previously, bird flu also forced many governments to destroy hundreds of millions of farm animals in Europe and the US.

Minh Hoa (reported by VTV, Tuoi Tre)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/cum-gia-cam-doc-luc-cao-bung-phat-o-mien-nam-brazil-a640473.html