MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Atlantic Hot News

Lentivirus outbreak in Magallanes

A virus originated sheep disease identified as Maedi-Visna, MV, is rapidly spreading in Magallanes, southern Chile, and local sanitary authorities have ordered the elimination of all sheep infected. According to a report form the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service, SAG, eight farms have been declared in quarantine after blood tests proved positive to ovine lenti virus. However Carlos Rowland, head of SAG was evasive about the potential number of sheep affected. "All positive animals will be sacrificed as well as their direct descendants", said Mr. Rowlands adding that "wherever an outbreak of MV is detected the farm immediately is declared in quarantine, meaning all animal movement is banned". Mr. Rowlands did confirm that most of the farms affected are quiet large and that the Magallanes University breeding stock is also contaminated. "Out of 188 samples, 67 must be sent directly to the abattoir, which is a great loss for the University", indicated Mr. Rowlands. Rowlands indicated that flocks with MV must be eliminated in 30 days. The Chilean sanitary official said sheep blood testing will continue with a special "Elisa" German equipment that enables a quicker identification of the virus. Maedi-Virus infection of sheep originates with Ovine Lenti Virus and results in a progressive chronic disease characterized by cachexia and chronic active inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, joints, mammary gland and the central nervous system. Pulmonary lesions in OvLV-affected sheep consist of lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) and lymphocytic alveolitis. Similar pulmonary lesions also occur in up to 40% of HIV-infected children and in some adults with AIDS.

Joint Antarctic patrolling

For the third consecutive summer season Argentine and Chilean navies are involved in joint Antarctic patrolling with the participation of two vessels, two aircraft and 100 men from each country. The joint patrolling, mainly search and rescue operations, contamination containment and hydrocarbons spillage control began last December 9th. and is scheduled to extend until next March covering an area that extends from latitude 10 to 131o. West and below par