Chilean university temporarily closes due to possible bird flu outbreak

The University of Talca in Chile announced on April 13 the temporary closure of its doors and the cessation of its functions due to a possible outbreak of avian influenza in a group of birds living on its premises.

“The Universidad de Talca informs the community that, as a precautionary measure and to protect the university community, the Talca Campus will be closed due to a possible case of avian flu,” the institution communiqué stated.

The academic authorities explained that the suspicions arose after the sudden death of some birds that inhabit the botanical garden located inside the campus.

The measure will last at least until April 16, suspending classes, extracurricular events, academic activities, and administrative functions.

In addition, the Universidad de Talca notified the authorities of the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), whose officials went to the campus to collect the corresponding samples for analysis.

The results should be ready in two or three days.

On March 29, the first and only human case of avian influenza was detected in a person in Chile, a 53-year-old man infected in the north who is stable but not seriously ill.

With information from Sputnik

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