Following the declaration of a health emergency due to bird flu, the National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (SENASA) on Thursday prohibited the sale of live birds throughout Argentina. According to the details of the measure, it reaches fodder stores, agricultural houses and veterinarians that are dedicated to its trade and distribution.
The disease already registers eleven cases in the country and threatens to cause heavy production losses. The resolution was published in the Official Gazette and what is sought is to tighten controls against the growth of cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). SENSA not only prohibited the sale of live birds but also the holding of “exhibitions, fairs, events and recreational activities that involve concentration and movement of domestic, ornamental and wild birds for any reason and purpose”.
In turn, the agency ordered a prohibitive measure regarding the “movement of backyard, ornamental and sport birds”, in order to limit as much as possible the possibility that the disease can spread. The resolution makes it clear that the measures are effective throughout the country. It was also provided that entry into Argentina must be carried out by air as part of a strict protocol. Those responsible for the operation must provide a post-entry isolation unit close to the airports for the consignment, fertile eggs or day-old birds.
SENSA thus established that those responsible must present the itinerary to the isolation unit, make a documentary record of the entire transfer and establish satellite monitoring throughout the journey in the country. In turn, it was determined that, after unloading the consignment, the vehicle should be cleaned, washed and disinfected and, subsequently, the vehicle must be directed to a truck wash authorized by the aforementioned body.
The introduction of poultry into the country already requires a period of isolation in authorized facilities prior to its definitive importation. Now, the new measures seek to address fears of a possible spread of the disease. “It is necessary to restrict the distance that birds travel from the point of entry into the country to the place where they will complete their post-entry isolation period to the minimum possible, in order to reduce the chances of spreading diseases, including HPAI,” said the SENASA.
The agency asked parks, nature reserves and wildlife authorities to maximize controls in all provinces and finally asked to “limit activities that favor the dispersal of birds and contact between wild birds and people.”
