Mass elephant seal deaths have been reported in the Antarctic region after a high level of mortality has been detected among elephant seal pups at three sites around South Georgia. Animals have shown symptoms that are consistent with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and the outbreak affects particularly the southern elephant seal species (Mirounga leonine).
Agriculture officials in the Falkland Islands have announced that biosecurity measures have been stepped up in anticipation of the imminent arrival of avian influenza, which is likely to come from a sick bird.
Argentina's National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (Senasa) Monday confirmed three more cases of avian influenza had been detected in sea lions along the country's Atlantic Ocean coast.
With spring on the way, it won't be long before we enjoy seeing the return of migratory birds to the Falkland Islansds. However, with Bird Flu already present in South America, it is likely to enter the Falklands this season.
Argentine authorities Friday confirmed the detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in sea lions found dead on the Tierra del Fuego shores.
Argentina's National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (Senasa) Tuesday announced the South American country was again avian influenza free, it was reported in Buenos Aires. In a note to the World Organization for Animal Health, the sanitary agency said the last of the 18 outbreaks detected in commercial establishments had been controlled 6 months after the first case was detected.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Wednesday said it has strong concerns that the avian flu virus (H5N1) might mutate to infect humans, as outbreaks of the disease among birds are becoming more frequent. In the WHO's assessment, the virus might adapt to infect humans more easily.
Authorities in the Brazilian southeastern State of Espirito Santo Thursday decided to ban all tourists from the islands of Vitória after confirming 20 outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, Agencia Brasil reported.
Brazilian authorities have decreed a nationwide animal health emergency, it was published Tuesday in an extra issue of the Diário Oficial da União (Official Gazette), Agencia Brasil reported. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Carlos Favaro signed the ordinance dated May 22 which will be effective for the next 180 days.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Tuesday confirmed one Chinese woman has died of the H3N8 variant of avian flu after being hospitalized for severe pneumonia on March 3.