Epidemic (animal)

UruguayUruguay declared a nationwide health emergency on Friday after highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza was detected in backyard poultry, according to officials.
The Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, through its General Directorate of Livestock Services, confirmed the outbreak in Colonia, a department in southwestern Uruguay, Anadolu Agency reported.
The discovery followed concerns raised by the deaths of birds. Although an initial rapid test returned a negative result, subsequent official laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the virus.
Authorities ordered a nationwide "interdiction of the affected establishment" and imposed strict restrictions on the movement of non-commercial birds.
Under the emergency directive, all domestic movement of backyard and uncontrolled birds is prohibited, with an exemption for birds registered under the official Poultry Monitoring System.
The resolution also suspends fairs, auctions and public exhibitions involving avian species. Authorities ordered that free-range and backyard poultry be kept in "enclosed, covered facilities" to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds.
Sanitary teams have begun slaughtering and safely disposing of all exposed birds at the affected site, along with extensive cleaning and disinfection of materials that may have been contaminated. The ministry also recommended that poultry producers adopt "extreme" biosecurity measures, including restricting access by unauthorized people and vehicles, protecting water and food supplies from wild birds, and strengthening disinfection procedures.
Officials stressed that consuming poultry meat or eggs does not pose a risk to human health. However, agricultural teams are working with health authorities to monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a highly pathogenic subtype that primarily infects birds but can, in rare cases, be transmitted to humans through close contact. The virus has a high mortality rate among infected humans, although sustained human-to-human transmission has not been recorded. Authorities urged the public not to handle dead or sick birds.
News.Az