Bird flu in Uruguay raises alert in Brazil

By / / 2 minutes reading

Outbreaks of avian influenza, a contagious viral disease that mainly affects domestic and wild birds, have already been reported in neighboring countries such as Peru, Venezuela, Argentina and Uruguay. In some of these countries, such as Bolivia and Peru, cases have been recorded in animals from commercial farms. In other countries, notifications were reported in wild birds. 

Avian influenza is a disease that affects birds and is caused by the virus flu a, and can be types H5N1, H5N8, H7N9 or H9N2. The condition rarely affects humans. Transmission only occurs through contact with contaminated birds. (Source: Rede D'Or)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) develops a contingency plan in case of any notification in Brazil. These measures include isolation of 10 kilometers from the outbreak of the disease, possible elimination of animals. 

ADVERTISING

Minister Carlos Fávaro stated that, to date, there are no cases of bird flu in Brazil, despite Uruguay having confirmed a case approximately 180 kilometers from the border with Brazil.  

+ Most Read

“Our bird flu-free status continues,” said the minister. “The important thing is that we are going to take measures, which is to strengthen active surveillance, which is to strengthen our inspection, by the Ministry of Agriculture”, added Fávaro.

He ruled out paralyzing cargo transit at the country's borders, but promeyour greater vigilance and supervision.

ADVERTISING

At least three recent suspected cases, two in Rio Grande do Sul and one in Amazonas, were discarded by the department after laboratory tests.

“What we have asked for is everyone’s collaboration… any symptoms of sick birds, please let us know immediately, so that we can take action and quickly contain these small outbreaks that could happen”, he reinforced.

Flu in humans

In relation to possible human infections, the Map informs that they can occur through contact with infected birds, alive or dead, or environments contaminated with respiratory secretions, blood, feces and other fluids released when the birds are slaughtered.

ADVERTISING

The risk of transmission to people through food is considered very small.

(Source: Agência Brasil)

See also:

Childhood cancer: learn about the most common types and know how to identify the signs

Web_Photo_Editor-27-aspect-ratio-930-440
February 15th is International Childhood Cancer Day, a date stipulated by Childhood Cancer International (CCI). Childhood cancer is the first cause of death from disease in children and the second cause of death in general. All over the world, entities warn of the signs of this disease which, if diagnosed early, has a high chance of cure and lower mortality among children and adolescents.

most read

Posts

Scroll up