Montevideo, September 05 (H.S.): The Uruguayan government has declared a nationwide health emergency after a highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus was detected in domestic poultry. Authorities have imposed strict restrictions on the movement of poultry and suspended bird-related fairs, auctions and public exhibitions to prevent the spread of the infection.

According to Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency, the General Directorate of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries confirmed the presence of avian influenza in the southwestern Colonia region. Officials said an investigation was launched following the deaths of birds in the area. While initial rapid tests did not confirm the infection, subsequent testing at a government laboratory detected the presence of the H5 virus.

Restrictions have been imposed in the affected area under the emergency order. The domestic movement of birds kept for non-commercial purposes has been prohibited. However, birds registered under the government’s poultry surveillance system have been exempted from the restriction under certain circumstances.

Authorities have also directed residents to keep birds that normally roam freely around homes in enclosed and covered areas to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds.

Health authorities have begun the process of culling infected birds and those that have been in contact with them at the affected site, followed by their safe disposal. Extensive cleaning and disinfection of potentially contaminated sites and materials are also being carried out.

Poultry producers have been advised to adopt strict biosecurity measures. These include restricting the movement of unauthorised people and vehicles, protecting water and feed from exposure to wild birds, and carrying out regular disinfection.

Uruguayan authorities said that consuming poultry meat and eggs does not generally pose a health risk to humans, provided the products are handled and cooked properly. However, agricultural and health teams are monitoring people who have come into contact with infected birds.

Avian influenza, including the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype, primarily affects birds but can also infect humans following close contact with infected birds. However, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

Authorities have urged people not to touch sick or dead birds directly and to report such cases to the relevant health or veterinary authorities.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar