The Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) ordered the temporary closure of Gorgona Island after verifying the presence of avian influenza in about 57 pelicans who were found dead on February 20.
Thus, the ICA decreed csanitary quarantine throughout the island through resolution No. 00001750.
“By means of which the Isla Gorgona National Natural Park, located in the municipality of Guapi, in the department of Cauca, is declared in sanitary quarantine, given the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.”
As of the date it is prohibited the entrance of visitors to the natural park. The institute will work in coordination with health entities to control the outbreak of influenza.
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“The entry of visitors and the provision of services is prohibited. ecotourism services in the Gorgona National Natural Park and other determinations are made ”, reads the statement of the official portal of national parks.
The health authorities are on alert due to the proliferation of avian influenza in South America, especially in the extreme north of the continent, in countries like Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.
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In December 2022 they were found about 900 dead pelicans along the Peruvian coast. The plague has also affected the population of sea lions and other species.
The virus has a very wide contagious capacity and can be transmitted from birds to mammals, including humans. For this reason, experts recommend cooking foods containing chicken well.
During the island’s quarantine, the authorities will advance epidemiological surveillance in risk areas and proceed to carry out cleaning and disinfection tasks.