Venezuela has declared a 90-day health alert in five coastal states after the first cases of AH5N1 avian flu were detected in pelicans, the government announced on Friday.
Gabriela Jiménez, Minister of Science and Technology, reported on Twitter that “Avian Flu virus AH5N1 has been detected in pelicans in the northern coastal region of the state of Anzoátegui. [leste]???????? For this reason, preventive measures and health alerts are being taken.”
The discovery took place in the town of Puerto Píritu, west of Anzoátegui, and constitutes “the first record of influenza type A, subtype H5” in Venezuela.
A “state of alarm” includes Anzoátegui, Miranda, Nueva Esparta, La Guaira and Sucre, where a “quarantine” period will apply, according to a decision by the ministries of Agriculture and Science and Technology.
Adding that the technical teams are carrying out follow-up and surveillance work, the minister noted that the cases reported in Venezuela are similar to the transmission of pelicans in other countries.
In case of alarm, “mobilization of live birds and fertile eggs” is prohibited in quarantined areas. “Cockfights, fairs and exhibitions with birds and pigs” were also banned, where birds with positive or epidemiological links at risk of transmission would also be sacrificed.
In Peru, for example, about 14,000 seabirds, mostly pelicans, died from H5N1 avian influenza in parts of its coast and protected natural areas; Ecuador has launched a plan to protect wild birds in the Galapagos Islands, which are home to unique species. flora and fauna of the world.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.