The Agricultural and Livestock Service reported that -to date- 1,030 deaths of birds have been confirmed due to avian flu, in northern regions of the country. From the Veterinary Medical College they affirmed that in industrial production there is little chance of contagion, due to the reinforcement of biosecurity measures.
After two weeks ago the first case of bird flu in chilethe disease has progressed rapidly and infected birds have been recorded in the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta and Atacama.
As a precaution, the Department of agriculture recommended avoiding direct contact with wild birds -alive or dead- and, in case of witnessing these situations, notify the offices of the Agricultural and Livestock Service.
The head of the SAG’s Livestock Protection Division, Carlos Orellana, explained that -to date- 1,030 dead birds have been registered due to the flu, six infected species and 13 active outbreaks of the disease, in northern regions of the country.
“Today, we have four regions with outbreaks of the disease (…) we have 13 detected outbreaks, with six affected species, 480 birds sampled in the area, obtaining a result of 53 positive samples and we have 1,030 dead birds, Orellana said.
bird flu
From the Veterinary Medical Collegethe academic from the University of Chile, Víctor Neira, pointed out that bird flu might bring serious economic losses if the disease reaches poultry, such as turkeys and chickens.
The expert explained that birds used for industrial production are unlikely to be infected, since most companies have reinforced biosecurity measures.
“(…) There is a greater probability that the avian influenza virus first passes from wild birds to poultry, backyard birds, because there are fewer security or biosecurity measures,” said Neira.
Although avian flu infections in humans are unlikely, they can occur following close contact with infected birds.
Therefore, people who work with this level of closeness must wash their hands frequently and use protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask.