On Monday night (15), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock confirmed the first cases of the avian influenza virus, the H5N1, in wild animals in Brazil. The disease was confirmed in three seabirds rescued off the coast of Espírito Santo.
Although other countries in South America have already confirmed cases of the H5N1 virus in wild animals, including mammals, as in Peru, this is the first in Brazil. Faced with the potential risk, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, declared a state of alert. The measure seeks to increase surveillance throughout the national territory.
It is worth noting that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the H5N1 avian flu poses a low risk of transmission to humans, although it exists, as recently observed in Cambodia and the United States.
Anticipating possible scenarios, the Butantan Institute is already working on the development of a vaccine against the virus. The research is in a pre-clinical stage, but may be expedited in due course, since the technology used in the immunizing potential is the same adopted in the traditional vaccine against the common flu.
What is known about the first cases of H5N1 in Brazil?
In Brazil, the first cases of H5N1 avian influenza were identified by the Official Veterinary Service (SVO). Last Wednesday (10), the group received an alert from the Institute for Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals of Cariacica (Ipram), located in Espírito Santo, for the existence of potentially contaminated birds.
After the alert and necessary investigations, public health authorities confirm three cases of H5N1 avian influenza:
- Two seabirds of the species Thalasseus acuflaviduspopularly known as Trinta-réis-de-bando, found in the municipality of Marataízes and in Vitória, both on the coast of Espírito Santo;
- A migratory bird of the species Sula leucogaster (pardo booby), which was already in Ipram.
Discovery of H5N1 cases has no immediate impact in Brazil
In the understanding of the ministry, the discovery of Brazilian cases of the H5N1 avian flu does not have an immediate impact in the country. “It should be noted that the notification of infection by the HPAI virus (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in wild birds does not affect Brazil’s status as a HPAI-free country”, informs Mapa.
Furthermore, the three cases of avian flu should not change Brazil’s dynamics with other nations. This is because the other member countries of the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA) “should not impose bans on international trade in Brazilian poultry products”, explains the ministry.
According to current evidence, cases of H5N1 avian influenza are relatively isolated. However, “depending on the evolution of the investigations and the epidemiological scenario, new sanitary measures may be adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture and by the state agricultural health agencies to prevent the spread of IAAP and protect the national poultry industry”, he says.
Avian flu is highly contagious
Here, it should be noted that, today, the world is facing the greatest pandemic of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HCAI). Despite this, the Map recalls that “most cases are related to the contact of wild migratory birds with subsistence, production or local wild birds”, not affecting humans.
In general, cases of transmission of the disease from animals to humans are possible. However, most of the time, this occurs when there is direct contact with infected birds (alive or dead). Transmission does not occur through consumption of meat or eggs.
With the current state of alert for the H5N1 avian flu, the ministry advises that, when identifying a sick bird — with a staggering gait and/or lying neck — anyone should contact the local veterinary service. If possible, a notification of the case must be made through the e-Sisbravet system. However, these animals should not be touched, as the virus can remain active in faeces and respiratory secretions.
Source: Map
