Due to the detection of more than eleven cases of birds with avian flu in several Argentine provinces, the National Animal Health Service (Senasa) has established emergency measures that must be respected by both poultry producers and exhibitors, veterinarians, fodder , agriculture, protected areas, importers and transporters in order to prevent the spread of the viral disease advancing in the continent.
Before the declaration of health emergency due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (IAAP), through the Resolution 166/2023 Published today in the Official Gazette, the Government has prohibited the holding of exhibitions, fairs, events and recreational activities involving the concentration and movement of domestic, ornamental and wild birds throughout the national territory.
Likewise, Senasa established a ban on the distribution or sale of live birds in fodder, agricultural or veterinary depots, as well as the circulation of poultry, ornamental and sporting birds.
Instead, it was established that, in the absence of health documentation that supports the movement of live birds for any reason or purpose, immediate seizure can be carried out.
Regarding the entry of avian genetics from abroad, regardless of the health situation of the exporting country, they must be made by air via the airport closest to the Isolation Unit where the shipment (day-old birds or fertile eggs) will complete a period of isolation after entering the country. In the meantime, the person in charge of the operation must submit an itinerary to the Senasa for its authorization before the genetic material enters the country.
It will also be mandatory that the vehicle for the transfer of the consignment from the airport to the Isolation Unit has satellite tracking throughout the journey within Argentina, as well as the documentary record of the transfer itinerary, which must be presented to Senasa once the journey is over. And, in the event of an unforeseen event during the transfer, the situation must be immediately reported to the agency by the operation manager.
After unloading the shipment, the vehicle used for the transfer must be cleaned, washed and disinfected, through the disinfection arch or by means of the factory’s manual disinfection system and, subsequently, must go to the nearest Senasa authorized car wash .
On the other hand, when reporting birds with symptoms compatible with HPAI within protected areas such as parks or national or provincial nature reserves, the necessary sanitary measures will be established, in agreement with the Parks Administration, to minimize the spread of disease. Senasa, how to limit access to the public.
The law indicates that provincial wildlife authorities will be called upon to arbitrate the means necessary to reduce the spread of the HPAI virus through wildlife by limiting activities that promote bird dispersal and contact between wild birds and people, such as hunting.
It also authorizes the National Directorate of Animal Health of Senasa to establish derogations from the emergency measures detailed in the resolution, on the basis of a risk assessment that supports it.
It should be noted that failure to comply with the provisions of the law will be subject to the sanctions set out in Chapter V of Law no. 27.233 and the related Regulatory Decree n. .
Yesterday, the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Nation, Juan José Bahillo, together with the president and vice president of Senasa, Diana Guillén and Rodolfo Acerbi, met the ministers of agriculture and production of the whole country in the framework of the Federal Council of agriculture (CFA) to strengthen the measures, controls and indications in order to prevent the spread of the avian influenza virus, of which a total of 11 cases have been detected in wild and backyard birds in the country.
The aim is to join efforts with the provinces so that no farms suffer losses due to the disease and not to jeopardize Argentina’s health status internationally.
On this occasion, the emphasis was placed on the need to communicate to the population the importance of not maintaining contact with birds that are dead, dying or exhibiting strange behavior in order to avoid the transfer of the disease to other areas.
Given the detection of positive cases, Senasa proceeds to sacrifice and bury both the animals and the objects that have had contact with them, as well as a 10km sweep around to check that the disease hasn’t spread.
To report possible cases, you can go to the Senasa offices – personally or by contacting the exclusive WhatsApp line 11 5700 5704 or via the “Senasa Notifications” app, available in the Play Store; by sending an email to [email protected] and, in the Senasa Notification section of the website.
Source: Clarin
