Argentina confirms case of avian influenza in domestic birds
Argentina has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in backyard poultry in the province of Chaco following laboratory analyses of samples collected from chickens, turkeys, and ducks in the municipality of Tres Isletas.
It is worth noting that the last significant outbreak of avian influenza in Argentina occurred in 2023. At that time, authorities decided to suspend exports and more than 630,000 chickens were culled.
According to Argentina’s National Food Safety and Quality Service, Senasa, the country has not recorded any new highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks since at least last year.
Sanitary protocol
Following confirmation of the new case, the Argentine health authority implemented its established sanitary protocol to prevent the spread of the disease. The measures include intervening at the affected property, depopulating the site, and adopting hygiene and disinfection procedures.
“It is important to highlight that the presence of this disease in backyard poultry does not affect the country’s sanitary status or commercial activities,” the agency stated in a press release.
Senasa also recommended that all poultry farms reinforce their management, hygiene, and biosecurity measures to prevent the entry and spread of the virus. “Additionally, those who keep domestic birds should ensure they are housed in protected areas to avoid contact with wild birds, regularly clean and disinfect poultry houses, and restrict the access of wild birds to water and food sources in family-run poultry farms,” the agency advised.
Trail of losses
Over the past 4 years, highly pathogenic avian influenza has affected several regions worldwide. Between 2021 and 2022, there was a sharp rise in cases across Europe, Asia, and Africa, according to data from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
This scenario led many countries to adopt stricter surveillance measures and conduct large-scale preventive culling to contain the spread of the virus.
In Latin America, the disease has been reported with increasing frequency since 2022, with outbreaks confirmed in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay. Most of them were detected amongst wild and domestic birds, but not in commercial flocks.
Sanitary authorities have also intensified epidemiological monitoring and border control measures while recommending strict preventive actions in commercial farms and backyard poultry operations to prevent transmission between wild and domestic birds.
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