According to CDC data, only one human case of bird flu has been reported in the United States.
According to SENASICA, the last H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza event in Mexico began on April 1, 2019 and was closed on January 17, 2020.
According to the WHO, as of February 2, 2023, a total of 240 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus have been reported since January 2003.
The Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, Juan José Bahillo confirmed a case of avian flu (H5N1) in Jujuy and declared a health emergency in the country. According to what was reported by local media, the case was confirmed by the Agrifood Health and Quality Service (Senasa) in a wild migratory bird, of the Huallata or Andean Goose species, which was found in said province.
The confirmation was made during a press conference held with authorities from the National Ministry of Health and Senasa, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, who also issued a series of prevention measures against avian influenza in birds. wild recorded in the region.
It should be noted that since last week, the Government of Argentina had already announced a reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance on its northern border. This, after an outbreak of avian influenza was detected in Bolivia.
During the press conference, Senasa’s vice president, Rodolfo Acerbi, asserted that work rounds in provincial and national parks will also increase. After this, the Argentine authority added that the “unfriendly measures” that are necessary to stop the spread of bird flu will be taken.
What is bird flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC), the flu or avian influenza (also known as chicken flu) is an avian disease caused by certain types of viruses that normally infect birds. This disease is caused by various type A influenza viruses.
Poultry can be infected by one of two types of avian influenza viruses:
- Highly pathogenic viruses spread rapidly and can kill almost an entire flock of birds within 48 hours.
- Low pathogenic viruses cause only mild symptoms in birds (such as ruffled feathers or decreased egg production).
These flu viruses usually do not infect humans. However, outside the United States there have been cases in humans. The disease can be transmitted to poultry workers or to others in contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. The following are examples of workers who may be at risk:
- Poultry producers and their employees
- Technical staff of poultry processing plants
- Personnel in charge of the care of sheds and the rearing of laying hens and chicks in egg production establishments
- Outbreak control and eradication workers (including federal employees, contractors, and private workers)
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