2023-09-10 14:20:19
Lobos Island has a population of sea lions that has been estimated at up to 400,000 individuals.
Actions in favor of the health of marine fauna are being applied, since the Ministries of the Environment (MA), Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), and Public Health (MSP) are taking sanitary measures with the objective of detecting and act immediately to contain cases of avian flu in sea lions.
This disease, which affects these marine animals (and various mammals, such as dogs, cats and even humans), has led the authorities to remember that there is no cureand that the virus responsible causes serious muscular, neurological and respiratory effects that, ultimately, lead to death of affected specimens.
Although the risk of infection in humans is very low, it is important that the population be alert and take precautions because cases of contagion can occur. To date, there have been no cases of transmission of avian flu from marine mammals to people worldwide. However, to avoid any possible risk, Environment, MGAP and MSP call on the population to avoid direct contact of people and pets with live or dead sea lions.
How to report suspected cases of bird flu
If you encounter sea lions and suspect H5 avian influenza symptoms, you should immediately notify the National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (Dinara). You can do so by sending an email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Quick action in these cases is essential for an effective response.
It is important to highlight that, currently, no cases or open outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in production, backyard or wild birds in the country. Detections in marine mammals do not affect the zoosanitary status. Therefore, there is no risk in the consumption of fish and other seafood, or poultry meat.
The H5 avian flu virus and its mode of transmission
The H5 virus is transmitted mainly through the oral and respiratory routes, and is spread through secretions such as saliva or mucus, as well as excretions such as urine and fecal matter. It is important to highlight that the survival of the virus in the environment is limited and varies depending on humidity, solar radiation and wind.
The authorities report that measures have already been implemented for the safe final disposal of the carcasses of the affected sea lions. In addition, active work is being done on surveillance of the coastal strip, islands and islets to detect possible cases of avian influenza in marine fauna.
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