Paraguay confirms fourth outbreak of avian flu

The National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa) of Paraguay confirmed yesterday, through its central laboratory, the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in backyard poultry in the district of Faro Moro, department of Boquerón, in the western region of the country or Chaco.

It was detected in a family farm, i.e., home-produced animals, including chickens, ducks, and geese.

The report states that the quantity will be determined after the birds’ slaughter.

So far, 4 outbreaks of the disease have been reported in the South American country, after the first three were detected in the districts of Mariscal Estigarribia, Colonia Neuland, and Filadelfia, all in the department of Boquerón.

Since the detection of the first outbreak, Paraguay’s official veterinary institution reinforced biosecurity protocols in the affected areas and ordered the slaughter of all birds with symptoms and healthy birds as part of the contingency plan.

It also proceeded to install sanitary barriers in the department of Boquerón.

It prohibited the movement of all types of birds and fertile eggs and the sale of chicks in that department.

Senacsa urges the general public, in case of observing dead or dying birds or birds showing signs compatible with avian influenza, not to touch or handle them and to immediately inform the institution.

It also reminds that the consumption of poultry products such as meat and eggs is safe and that the country continues to maintain the status of a “Country free of infection by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry”.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare informed that no humans are suspected of the disease since four cases of people exposed to the birds, who did not present symptoms, were ruled out.

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