Venezuela has declared a health alert in 5 states due to bird flu in pelicans

Venezuelan officials announced the Govt Health warning 90 days ahead in Anzoátegui, Miranda, Nueva Esparta, Vargas and Sucre Bird flu In wild pelicans from the coast of the country.

As announced by Science and Technology Minister Gabriela Jimenez on December 2, the virus Avian Influenza A (H5N1) In pelicans off the northern coast of Anzotegui state, they stopped Technical Committees for monitoring and surveillance tasks.

about this First report of highly pathogenic avian influenza (IAAP) in VenezuelaAccording to Joint Resolution 183/2022Released by the Ministries of Science and Technology and Agriculture and Lands, the country was till now bird flu free.

According to the document, clinical signs and symptoms consistent with bird flu were identified in the pelicans. Puerto Rico, in the municipality of Fernando de Penalver in the state of Anzoátegui. Laboratory results confirmed that it was influenza virus type A subtype H5.

As explained by the Ministry of Science and Technology, highly pathogenic avian influenza can spread rapidly and destroy more than 90% of poultry flocks and It will destroy the poultry industryIn addition to creating extreme trade restrictions.

“Even some strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza are capable of infecting people, posing a threat to public health, the main risk factor being direct or indirect contact with infected animals or with environments and surfaces contaminated with faeces”, the resolution states.

Sanctions and other measures

Once the decision comes into force, Movement of live birds and fertilized eggs is prohibited Based on the epidemiological risk analysis from the municipalities of Fernando de Penalver, San Juan de Capistrano, Manuel Ezequiel Brusual and “others determined by the National Comprehensive Agricultural Health Institute (INSAI).

Actions to be taken include intensifying quarantine and epidemiological surveillance in the said states. Backyard and commercial birds, Like him Sealing Birds positive for avian influenza, in contact, create an epidemiological link or a high health risk for the spread of the virus in Venezuela.

Likewise, the general public has been directed to notify Insai and other state agencies About any indication or suspicion of signs of illness or death In birds of any species due to unusual causes.

The resolution also calls for intensified monitoring of wildlife Prohibits the holding of gallistic events, fairs and exhibitions Anzoátegui has birds and pigs. Poultry manure or poultry manure cannot be mobilized without prior verification and approval of the Insai.

The document also calls for raising awareness of bird flu among poultry farmers, the public, marketers, hunters and other stakeholders.

According to officials, surveillance and monitoring activities will continue in coastal areas, lakes, ponds, rivers and areas with high density of birds. The Ministry of Science and Technology should pool all its technical and scientific resources to carry out necessary research on genetic surveillance of avian influenza viruses.

Bird flu in the area

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the H1N5 subtype is predominant in the United States during the current pandemic. within it Epidemiological alert On November 19, PAHO warned that “unusual persistence of the virus in wild birds during the summer months” has been recorded for the first time, and the number of outbreaks is expected to increase in the coming months.

PAHO explains that there are 5 subtypes of avian influenza virus type A known worldwide: Viruses H5, H6, H7, H9 and H10.

In 2022, agriculture officials Canada, Colombia, USA, Mexico and Peru Outbreaks of H5 virus have been detected in domestic, farmed or wild birds. Only one of the year’s cases corresponds to humans: A person involved in the slaughter of birds at a commercial poultry farm in the United States.

Since its detection in 1996, the first outbreaks of the A(H5N1) virus were confined to Southeast Asia, while since 2005 they have spread. Europe and Africa. In the United States, between 2014 and 2015, the first outbreaks, but genetically different from viruses circulating in Asia, were reported in the United States and Canada.

Regarding human exposure, PAHO since 2003, More than 880 confirmed cases Influenza A (H5N1). As of 2017, most cases were concentrated in Indonesia and Egypt, with deaths accounting for 46% and 25%, respectively. Since 2018, only 7 cases and 2 deaths have been reported.