The Los Lagos region has entered a state of zoosanitary emergency following confirmed cases of bird flu in black-necked swans in the communes of Puyehue and Puerto Montt, according to biobiochile.cl.
The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) detected the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Type A H5N1 virus after conducting tests on birds in the area. The first case was identified at a breeding facility near the Argentine border, in the commune of Puyehue.
Subsequently, a veterinarian from Sernapesca reported a dead bird of the same species in the coastal area of Piedra Azul, in Puerto Montt. This second report prompted authorities to elevate the alert to a regional emergency.
Prevention and monitoring measures
Authorities have established a quarantine around the locations where the infected birds were detected. Francisco Cárcamo, the regional minister of Agriculture, assured that constant monitoring will be maintained to contain the spread of the virus.
Cárcamo warned that this disease could cause significant sanitary, economic, and commercial impacts for the region. Meanwhile, Mitzio Riquelme, the regional director of Senapred, urged the public to maintain preventive measures to avoid further spread.
Recommendations are primarily focused on those who keep backyard poultry, such as chickens in family coops. Riquelme emphasized that contact with wild birds must be avoided, as the virus can be transmitted to other species, including pets like dogs and cats, and even to humans.
Authorities have asked the community to immediately report any suspicious signs in birds, such as diarrhea, lethargy, ruffled feathers, lack of coordination, or unusual deaths. In such cases, individuals should avoid handling the animals and report the findings to the SAG's dedicated contact number: +56938663611.
