Chile: Bird flu in wild birds and mammals - December 8, 2022 +

[sharon sanders]

hat tip @kyle_iridian


Arica municipality notice:


Posted on Mar 14, 2023

Avian flu: More than 300 dead sea lions have been removed by the Municipality



As a critic, the mayor of Arica, Gerardo Espíndola Rojas , cataloged the high mortality of sea lions that affects the commune, a product of avian flu.
Since the health crisis began, more than 300 dead specimens have been collected from the coastline by the Municipality of Arica, in conjunction with the Costa Chinchorro Corporation and the Cosemar company.
For this reason, the communal chief emphasized that the community must be extremely careful when visiting local beaches, either to avoid the risk of contagion or the spread of the disease in the rest of the city.
“ The situation on the coast is critical. There are already close to 300 specimens of sea lions, most of which have been removed by the Municipality and the Costa Chinchorro Corporation, through Cosemar. Here it is key that people do not take these animals if they see them on the beaches, on the rocks, since it can become a carrier of this disease and take it to the valleys and make farm birds sick ”, He stated .
Currently, the bird flu in Arica has only affected coastal birds and marine mammals. If the disease manages to spread in the urban radius, it can attack local poultry production, generating an economic catastrophe for the region.
Espíndola explained that “ Arica is a city with an economy that is based on poultry production and that could generate enormous damage, as is happening in the city of Rancagua, where a significant number of chickens and hens had to be sacrificed. It is what we have to avoid in Arica and for this, the fundamental thing is that people respect this series of regulations that we are making ”.

https://www.muniarica.cl/actividades/noticias/13081

 

[Mary Wilson]

Google Translate:

Workers are tested for avian flu case at the Agrosuper campus in Rancagua

Publicado: Jueves, 16 de Marzo de 2023 a las 14:03hrs.
Autor: Cooperativa.cl

A team from the Seremi de Salud O'Higgins carried out tests for the detection of avian influenza on more than 20 Agrosuper workers belonging to the poultry farm affected with the disease in Rancagua.

The operation was carried out on the last day, in the epidemiological context and under sanitary protocols, after the first case of avian flu detected in the private sector, which was announced this week by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The O'Higgins Health Seremi, Carolina Torres, stressed that "our role as a health authority is to guarantee the health care of workers who may have been exposed to avian influenza infection."

In this context, she reported that they will continue to monitor "remotely or in person, as required to make sure that these workers are in optimal conditions."

One of the health authority officials who participated in the operation, Rodrigo Meza, explained that the operation was carried out "on a double shift, to test both day and night, in the context of possible risks to workers."

The samples were delivered to the Regional Hospital for the respective analysis and thus be able to rule out risks or in the event that there is a positive case, take the corresponding sanitary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Testean a trabajadores por caso de gripe aviar en plantel de Agrosuper en Rancagua

https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/...16/130550.html

 

[Commonground]

Google translated
March 18, 2023

Avian flu: Strands of sea lions, penguins and chungungos have skyrocketed 482% compared to 2022

According to Sernapesca, during the first quarter of this year there are already more than 700 of these specimens that have been found dead on coastal edges.

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) announced this Saturday a cadastre of the number of animals that have been affected in Chile by avian influenza. According to the organization, during the first quarter of this year there are already more than 700 specimens of common sea lions, Humboldt penguins and chungungos that have stranded dead on the coasts of the country as a result of this disease, mainly in the northern area

In detail, 532 specimens of sea lions, 234 Humboldt penguins and 6 chungungos that have stranded dead on the coasts of the northern macrozone are recorded, with the main affected regions being the Arica and Parinacota and Atacama. "During these three months of the year we recorded a historical number of dead stranded marine animals, corresponding to 763 specimens of these three species. The total of these stranded animals killed full year in 2022 was 131, and in 2021 there were 120 dead in total. What shows that we are clearly facing an anomalous situation, which we attribute to the phenomenon of highly pathogenic avian influenza, especially since the strandings of these months are concentrated in the northern area," explained Soledad Tapia, national director of Sernapesca.
-snip-
To date, a total of 13 specimens of marine animals confirmed as positive for IAAP are counted, corresponding to 1 chungungo in the Arica region; 8 sea lions, 2 in the Arica Region, 3 in Tarapacá, 2 in Antofagasta and 1 in Coquimbo; and 4 Humboldt Penguins, 1 in Tarapacá, 2 in Anto This of a total of 183 specimens that were sampled

continued. https://www.emol.com/noticias/Nacion...ipe-aviar.html

 

[Commonground]

Google Translated
March 17, 2023

Antofagasta: Sernapesca reports the death of 112 sea lions from avian influenza

During this afternoon, the National Fish and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) reported the death of 112 sea lions in the Antofagasta Region from avian influenza.
-snip-
Of the hundred dead sea lions, about 55% correspond to the month of March, while the remaining 45% are reported to be from January 2023, to date.
-snip-

As a result of the different cases of avian influenza that have been recorded along the coast of the country, Sernapesca announced that they have activated a special plan for this contingency and that they are working with the Presidential Delegation of Antofagasta, the SAG, Minsal, Senapred and together with other regional authorities.

...https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/sernapesca-antofagasta-muerte-112-lobos-gripe-aviar_20230317/

 

[sharon sanders]

Government announcement referenced in post #23:



SERNAPESCA delivers report of stranded marine animals dead due to Avian Influenza situation

Saturday March 18, 2023



Saturday March 18, 2023 - There are more than 700 specimens of common sea lions, Humboldt penguins and chungungos that have been stranded dead on the coasts of our country during the first quarter of 2023, mainly in the north. The figure is 482.4% higher than the total number of strandings, corresponding to these species, registered in 2022.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service has reported a considerable increase in the strandings of dead marine animals on the Chilean coasts during the first quarter of 2023. In total, 532 specimens of sea lions, 234 Humboldt penguins and 6 chungungos are reported. that have stranded dead on the coasts of the northern macrozone, the main affected regions being: Arica and Parinacota with 292 dead sea lions and Atacama with 139 dead Humboldt penguins.
“During these three months of the year we recorded a historical number of dead stranded marine animals, corresponding to 763 specimens of these three species. The total number of these stranded animals dead for a full year in 2022 was 131, and in 2021 there were 120 dead specimens in total. This shows that we are clearly facing an anomalous situation, which we attribute to the phenomenon of highly pathogenic avian influenza, especially since the strandings in these months are concentrated in the northern zone," said Soledad Tapia, National Director of Sernapesca.
In the context of the Avian Influenza emergency, work has been reinforced with other entities such as the Presidential Delegations, Regional Governments, SAG, Seremías, Municipalities and others, in order to support an active surveillance plan throughout the coastline with the in order to reduce the risks of viral circulation of said disease, through the detection, testing and final disposal of affected animals.
The epidemiological situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by H5 subtype of Eurasian lineage has continued to spread. There are 4 regions of the northern macrozone that have registered marine fauna protected by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law with positivity for avian influenza, only excepting the Atacama region that does not register official positive cases sampled, for now.
To date, a total of 13 specimens of marine animals confirmed as HPAI-positive have been counted, corresponding to 1 chungungo in the Arica region; 8 sea lions, 2 in the Arica Region, 3 in Tarapacá, 2 in Antofagasta and 1 in Coquimbo; and 4 Humboldt Penguins, 1 in Tarapacá, 2 in Antofagasta and 1 in Coquimbo. This from a total of 183 specimens that were sampled.
It should be noted that SERNAPESCA is prioritizing assistance to the strandings of animals with symptoms associated with avian influenza. As for the disposal of the dead animals, it corresponds to the respective municipalities with the support of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service to protect the biosafety protocols.
The service reiterated the emphatic call to people who are on the coastline not to touch or manipulate, keep their distance, and report in the event that a dead bird or marine animal is detected on the coastline or that shows signs such as: decay, coughing, breathing difficulties or muscle spasms. This includes not moving them, not returning them to the sea or burying them on beaches at your own expense. Therefore, in case of observing cases of marine animals stranded on beaches, please report to 800 320 032.

http://www.sernapesca.cl/noticias/se...n-de-influenza

 

[Pathfinder]

Chile - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 3

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
OIE-listed

EVENT ID
4922

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5 (N untyped)

START DATE
2023/02/10

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/02/16

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 3

REPORT ID
FUR_159910

REPORT REFERENCE
-

REPORT DATE
2023/03/17

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Contact with wild species

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
This is the first detection of avian influenza H5N1 in an unusual host in the national territory (marine mammal); sea lion Otaria flavescens is the affected species. Regarding organization, the National Directorate of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) carries out the risk assessment and defines the actions to be implemented in each zone; Regional Directorates are responsible for implementing these measures. To date, the agent has not been detected in other marine mammals. Following the first detection of the pathogen, and based on the location where the affected animal got stranded, a disease control zone was defined along the coastline, where notification of stranded animals is reinforced with sectoral users and clinical and molecular surveillance is implemented in animals with signs and symptoms consistent with highly pathogenic avian influenza, aimed at the early detection and timely control of the spread of the virus. In geographic areas that are not within this zone, passive surveillance will be maintained, focusing on the follow-up of reports.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
South-American sea lion (WILD) NEW - 6 6 0 0 0
TOTAL - 9 9 0 0 0
Marine otter (WILD) NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 0 0 0
All species NEW - 6 6 0 0 0
TOTAL - 10 10 0 0 0
...
NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_115990 - HIIAAP_8 - PLAYA EL COLORADO...
OB_115989 - HIIAAP_7 - DESEMBOCADURA DEL RIO ELQUI...
OB_115988 - HIIAAP_6 - PISAGUA...
OB_115987 - HIIAAP_5 - HUMEDAL RIO LLUTA...

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS

OB_115221 - HIIAAP_4 - HUMEDAL RIO LLUTA...
OB_115220 - HIIAAP_3 - PLAYA BOCA DEL DIABLO...
OB_114723 - HIIAAP_2 - LA RINCONADA...
OB_114649 - HIIAAP_1 - PLAYA EL HUASCAR...

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4922

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.latercera.com/nacional/...e-de-cuello-negro/FW7WSXC5IFAXBDF52J6UQCZOSI/

They confirm the first case of avian flu in the Los Ríos Region: it is a black-necked swan
Arnaldo Sepulveda
2 hours ago

Only the Aysen and Magallanes regions have not reported the presence of the virus. The SAG called on citizens not to handle dead or sick birds and to report suspected cases.

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) confirmed this Thursday the presence of the H5N1 avian flu in the Los Ríos Region, after samples were taken from black-necked swans of the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, in Valdivia...

 

[Treyfish]

Saturday March 25, 2023 | 18:29
"Now the situation is more complex": they confirm the first case of avian flu in the Bío Bío sea lion

By Bastian Pedreros Montero
Felipe Constanzo / UNO Agency
808 visits

Sernapesco reported on the first case of bird flu in a sea lion in the Bío Bío region and recognized that currently "the situation is more complex.

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) confirmed the first case of bird flu in a sea lion in the Bío Bío region .
After a citizen complaint made last Friday, Sernapesca personnel went to the Escuadrón beach in the Coronel commune, Bío Bío region, to take samples and confirm the cause of death of the animal .
For positive cases, the protocol establishes the application of euthanasia and, after that, burial on the same beach. This, in order to avoid the spread of the virus during transfers.

36 strandings of sea lions in the Bío Bío region

To date, Sernapesca has reported 36 sea lion strandings in the Bío Bío region .
In this regard, the deputy director of Sernapesca Bío Bío, Iván Oyarzún, stated: " Until before the confirmation of this positive case in Coronel , a biosafety protocol was being followed, which consisted of going to the place where the sea lions were. with symptomatology ”.
After that, “euthanasia was applied -if necessary- and then burial was carried out in a grave, which we carried out in coordination with the municipalities. Now the situation is more complex and we have to carry out active surveillance of the coastline, in order to timely detect other possible cases ”, he added.
Sernapesca called on the community to report the strandings and not to approach the animals because they can "put their health at risk."
:tiphat:https://www-biobiochile-cl.translat...hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_hist=true​​​​​​

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://cooperativa.cl/noticias/soc...uario-de-la-naturaleza/2023-03-27/113135.html

Avian influenza detected in 10 swans from a Nature Sanctuary in Valdivia
Published:
Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:52 a.m. Author: Cooperativa.cl
Some of the specimens were already dead, others had to be sacrificed and burned.

Ten black-necked swans from the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary in Valdivia tested positive for the avian influenza virus.

As reported by El Mercurio this Monday, the cases were confirmed yesterday by the Agricultural and Livestock Service, which only on Thursday had reported the detection of this disease in the Los Ríos Region.

"Some of the birds tested lay dead, but others had to be euthanized", since avian influenza "has no cure, so the birds die naturally or sanitary control must be carried out through euthanasia", explained the SAG.

Additionally, his remains had to be cremated to prevent the spread of the virus, which is transmitted by direct contact with a sick animal or its feces, the Service added.

Claudio Verdugo, an academic at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the Austral University, explained to the newspaper that the H5N1 variant of the virus "is circulating in wild birds of two families: the anseriformes (geese, ducks, swans) and the caradriformes (gulls, birds beaches), where it circulates almost naturally, as a natural reservoir".

 

[Pathfinder]

Chile - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 4

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
OIE-listed

EVENT ID
4922

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5 (N untyped)

START DATE
2023/02/10

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/02/16

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 4

REPORT ID
FUR_160084

REPORT REFERENCE
-

REPORT DATE
2023/03/27

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Contact with wild species

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
This is the first detection of avian influenza H5N1 in an unusual host in the national territory (marine mammal); sea lion Otaria flavescens is the affected species. Regarding organization, the National Directorate of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) carries out the risk assessment and defines the actions to be implemented in each zone; Regional Directorates are responsible for implementing these measures. To date, the agent has not been detected in other marine mammals. Following the first detection of the pathogen, and based on the location where the affected animal got stranded, a disease control zone was defined along the coastline, where notification of stranded animals is reinforced with sectoral users and clinical and molecular surveillance is implemented in animals with signs and symptoms consistent with highly pathogenic avian influenza, aimed at the early detection and timely control of the spread of the virus. In geographic areas that are not within this zone, passive surveillance will be maintained, focusing on the follow-up of reports.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated

South-American sea lion (WILD) NEW - 12 12 0 0 0
TOTAL - 21 21 0 0 0
Marine otter (WILD) NEW - 1 1 0 0 0'
TOTAL - 2 2 0 0 0
All species NEW - 13 13 0 0 0'
TOTAL - 23 23 0 0 0

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_116516 - HIIAAP_19 - PLAYA CARVALLO...
OB_116387 - HIIAAP_18 - SPU PLAYA ESCUDRON
OB_116326 - HIIAAP_17 - PLAYA MATANZAS
OB_116324 - HIIAAP_16 - PISAGUA
OB_116321 - HIIAAP_15 - PLAYA EL REFUGIO
OB_116320 - HIIAAP_14 - PLAYA BARRABAQUILLA
OB_116317 - HIIAAP_13 - PLAYA ILOCA
OB_116316 - HIIAAP_12 - PLAYA HUAYQUIQUE
OB_116315 - HIIAAP_11 - SECTOR PENÍNSULA IQUIQUE
OB_116314 - HIIAAP_10 - CHAÑARAL
OB_116313 - HIIAAP_9 - PLAYA COLORADO

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS

OB_115990 - HIIAAP_8 - PLAYA EL COLORADO...
OB_115989 - HIIAAP_7 - DESEMBOCADURA DEL RIO ELQUI
OB_115988 - HIIAAP_6 - PISAGUA
OB_115987 - HIIAAP_5 - HUMEDAL RIO LLUTA
OB_115221 - HIIAAP_4 - HUMEDAL RIO LLUTA
OB_115220 - HIIAAP_3 - PLAYA BOCA DEL DIABLO
OB_114723 - HIIAAP_2 - LA RINCONADA
OB_114649 - HIIAAP_1 - PLAYA EL HUASCAR

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4922

 

[sharon sanders]

Translation Google

Chile detects first case of bird flu in a marine mammal

It was a sea lion of about 250 kilos with respiratory problems that was infected by the virus.

Chile /02.17.2023 11:14:01

Chilean health authorities detected the first positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a marine mammal, on a beach in the north of the South American country.

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) reported late on Thursday that the sea lion weighing about 250 kilos washed up with respiratory problems on a beach in the northern region of Antofagasta.

"The case corresponds to the variant of the virus that has already been detected in wild birds in 11 regions of the country , and that is also present in countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, among others," Sernapesca said in a statement.

"This is the first case of a marine mammal affected by this virus in Chile, before which Sernapesca, the body responsible for hydrobiological fauna, will activate its special protocol for stranding marine animals," he added.

The service explained that infections have previously been recorded in sea lions in the United States and Peru. Also in Chile it was detected in a penguin in Antofagasta.

In early January, the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) had detected the virus in a wild bird in the central region of O'Higgins.

This week, Argentina and Uruguay confirmed the first cases of bird flu detected in wild birds, joining other countries in the region with the presence of the disease.

Avian Influenza is a contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds, without cure or treatment. Less commonly, viruses have also been isolated from mammalian species, as well as from humans.

Sernapesca pointed out that since the beginning of the HPAI emergency in Chile, it has been detected in 21 species of wild aquatic birds, with the pelican being the most affected .

https://www.milenio.com/internaciona...amifero-marino
--------------------------------------

See also:

Chile: SERNAPESCA Announces Avian H5N1 Infection of a Sea Lion

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/...-of-a-sea-lion

Please see:

Chile - Ministry of Health reports the 1st case of H5N1 bird flu in a human - March 29, 2023 - in Antofagasta region

 

[Commonground]

Google translation
March 30, 2023

SAG ruled out avian flu in dead birds on the coast of San Pedro de la Paz

The Livestock Agricultural Service in the Biobío Region ruled out that the thirty birds found dead on the coastal edge of the commune of San Pedro de la Paz died from avian influenza.

According to the entity, the fardelas found died by suffocation by immersion, since these birds hunt from the air, throwing themselves into the sea to capture their barks.

In this way, the preventive closure of the entire coastline reported yesterday by the Municipality of San Pedro de La Paz after the discovery was lifted.

https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias...itoral-de-san-pedro-de/2023-03-30/103412.html

 

[Treyfish]

Chile - To date, 1,535 sea lions and 730 penguins have died from bird flu

Today, 03:42 AM
31.03.2023 / 20:36
1,535 sea lions and 730 penguins have died from bird flu


The Region of Arica and Parinacota, in the north, is the most affected, with 709 sea lions and 343 dead penguins, followed by Antofagasta, Tarapacá and Atacama. In addition, on Wednesday the Ministry of Health reported the first human case of bird flu in a 53-year-old man.

​​​​​​(EFE-CNN Chile) - Chile reported this Friday 1,535 sea lions and 730 Humboldt penguins dead to date from the avian influenza virus , especially in northern regions, although marine mammals have also been found dead from this disease in the center-south of the country.

" Facts like the ones that are happening now have never happened in Chile ," warned the director of the Chilean National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), Soledad Tapia.
The official pointed out that, although there are hundreds of dead mammals, the species most affected by avian influenza are wild birds, such as pelicans .
​​​​​​The region of Arica and Parinacota, in the north, is the most affected, with 709 sea lions and 343 dead penguins, followed by Antofagasta, Tarapacá and Atacama, all in the north.
Dead marine animals of protected species have also been found in the Biobío region, some 500 kilometers south of the capital.
...
....​​​​​​They find more than 70 dead sea lions on Isla Santa María: "It could be attributed to bird flu"

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) confirmed the finding of more than 70 dead sea lions on Isla Santa María, in the Biobío Region, and did not rule out that the cause could be due to avian flu ........we are concluding that the mortality we are witnessing could most likely be attributed to avian influenza on the island ."The mammals were found by neighbors on the coastal edges of the North and South ports of the island.....:tiphat: https://www.cnnchile.com/pais/animal...��​​​​

 

[Commonground]

Google translation
April 02, 2023

Sea lions are numbered at 160 and extend to Mocha Island (Bio Bio Region)

The increase in dead marine species increases on the coasts of the Biobío. The authority emphasizes the call to citizens to avoid all kinds of contact with dead and stranded species.

The National Fish and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) confirmed that the strandings of marine fauna, such as possible cases of avian influenza (H5N1 virus), already reach 160. In addition, they reported that yesterday an operation was carried out on Mocha Island where four dead sea lions were recorded, in addition to what happened on Santa María Island.

The deputy regional director of Sernapesca Biobío, Iván Oyarzún, commented that "it could be verified that there is no type of massive stranding of sea lions on Mocha Island at this time. The presence of 4 dead animals (sea wolves) could be detected, where we were able to detect samples to determine the presence or not of this disease on the island."

He added that "the corresponding burial of these animals was carried out together with the collaboration of people from the island, the endowments of Carabineros and the maritime authority present in it."

Strandings on Mocha Island

Thanks to the efforts of the Presidential Delegation of Arauco and with the support of the Aeronaval Unit, officials of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), the Seremi de Salud de Arauco and the Municipality of Lebu, together with the head of the office of the National Fisheries Service of Lebu, Sergio Herrera, it was possible to carry out the operation that gave the four

In that sense, after the procedure, Iván Oyarzún said that "it was possible to carry out a wide dissemination and recommendations together with the inhabitants in order to make a call not to have interactions with this type of animals."

It should be remembered that just a few days ago more than 70 corpses of sea lions were found on the coasts of Santa Maria Island, which are presumed to have reached that situation because of avian influenza, the same hypothesis that arises for mammals found on Mocha Island. The samples extracted from these specimens are being reviewed by laboratories and the results are expected to be within the next few days.

So far, the Biobío region has recorded only one positive case of avian influenza in a sea lion confirmed by laboratories a week ago, which was found stranded in Coronel, in the Lomas Coloradas sector. For the same reason, because of the proximity, the authority insists and emphasizes to the citizens that these animals should not be manipulated, or try to help them.

Let's remember that there is already a person infected with the H5N1 virus in the country, which refers to a 53-year-old man from the northern area. Although its causes of contagion are unknown until today, it should be noted that this virus is transmitted through contact with sick animals that usually die from avian influenza.

Dogs in the place

After the collection of 75 sea lions on the shores of Santa María Island, a new concern arises since dogs have been seen approaching the corpses.

For this reason, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) asks citizens to avoid taking their pets to the coastal areas where corpses of both sea lions and birds have been found.

In the same sense, the mayor of Coronel, Boris Chamorro, said that it is "a quite complex situation that we are living in Coronel as a result of these sea lions that have appeared dead, both in the bay of Coronel, and in the island territory of Santa María Island. To do this, as the municipality of Coronel, we have activated all our teams."

One of the neighbors of Santa María Island, Enrique Durán, commented that "so far the risk it may have is not assumed much, they appeared dead no more and there are several. (...) This had never been seen, of course one wolf or another suddenly, but now it's a lot, I think there must be something there."

https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciu...obos-marinos-y-se-extienden-a-isla-mocha.html

 

[Commonground]

Google translation
April 1, 2023

Experts analyze the variety of more than 70 sea lions in Santa María Island



Two days after the sampling, there could be the result that will clarify the cause of the stranding of 75 sea lions on Santa Maria Island, against which the main hypothesis is the contagion of avian influenza.

Dr. Paula Aravena, director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Concepción, explained that the animals could have been infected with avian influenza by two routes. "Because of the closeness between the wolves and the rocks where the birds sleep and defecate" and also because they can attack birds and eat them.

However, seen from another point, Dr. Aravena said that "although the news of so many dead sea lions suggests that we have a viral problem or a massive pollution, which is possible. You have to keep a lot of attention, because it is not the only cause of death of sea lions that can occur in a massive way." In a row, he said that "there may also be an anthropic effect that, with the intention of eliminating several sea lions, could cause mortality. We have to wait for the results, because as I point out, there could be an advantage," Aravena said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Guillermo Herrera, marine biologist and academic of the Faculty of Sciences of the Catholic University of the Holy Conception, pointed out that "it is striking that it is a mass death. Although massive deaths of other species have been recorded, there are clear reasons that explain it. You may think it's due to avian flu. As an antecedent, a total of 634 sea lions were recorded dead in February in February, the main hypothesis is that it is avian influenza." "The sea lions are known to attack birds that are much easier prey if they are weak, erratic or dying," Dr. Herrera said and added that "sea lions are a gregarious species, which gather in wolves, sometimes very large as on Santa María Island. This makes it easier for the virus to pass from one individual to another."

continued...https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciu...-de-70-lobos-marinos-en-isla-santa-maria.html

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Tuesday April 4, 2023 | 05:22

Avian Flu: 250 black-necked swans have been removed from the Valdivia Nature Sanctuary

Posted by Alberto González
The information is from Carlos López


Of the samples sent to the SAG laboratories in Santiago, 70% have been negative for the virus, remaining 30% missing.

250 black-necked swans have been removed and incinerated from the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary in Valdivia, affected by bird flu.

For now, the animal health emergency is limited to the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, where black-necked swans have been found dead, and others with difficulty swimming, which have been removed and then cremated.

The deputy regional director of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Los Ríos, Pablo González, affirmed that since the avian flu was detected almost two weeks ago, they have carried out surveillance of the nearly 20,000 hectares of the protected space, as in the radius of two kilometers around this place.

Also, they have contacted 172 owners who are within the area and have backyard birds, to do the corresponding sampling.

...

https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias...-santuario-de-la-naturaleza-de-valdivia.shtml

 

[Commonground]

Biobio - Avian flu: authorities call for caution on a long weekend - 171 Dead Sea lions

Authorities called for extreme care and not to handle dead or sick birds or animals in rural and coastal areas of the region.

April 4, 2023

As a clear sign of the concern that exists among the regional authorities, regarding the situation experienced by the appearance and spread of avian influenza, the meeting on Monday was understood, where the seremis of all the portfolios analyzed with the presidential delegate, Daniela Dresdner, what has been the evolution of the virus in the Biobío that has so far been maintained between birds and marine animals.

After the appointment, Iván Oyarzún, regional director (s) of Sernapesca said that the development of the disease has been rapid, particularly among sea lions and that they believe that they will continue to detect cases in the coming days.

"We estimate that we will continue to have findings. What we are observing is that wolves (marines) with recent death dates and wolves with an advanced state of deterioration are stranding. However, it should be noted that of these 171 animals, practically 120 were detected the week before, therefore, we are very attentive to be receiving all the complaints and reports to be able to make the necessary coordination with the municipalities so that the animals can be extracted from the coastal edges as soon as possible," he said.

Continued: https://www.diarioconcepcion.cl/ciu...n-a-la-precaucion-en-fin-de-semana-largo.html

 

[Commonground]

April 05, 2023

100 dead penguins found in Carahue: they are investigating if it is avian flu



At least 100 penguins were found dead on Moncul beach in Carahue, in the region of La Araucanía. The discovery occurred in a so-called uninhabited area, since there are no homes nearby.

Because they are seabirds, teams from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) arrived at the scene to take samples to help determine the cause of death of the 100 specimens.
In addition to the municipal teams, officials from the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) work to verify, eventually, a link between avian influenza and the death of the penguins found.

https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias...e-investigan-si-se-trata-de-gripe-aviar.shtml

 

[Treyfish]

Sernapesca reports marine species affected by avian influenza: small cetacean tested positive in Atacama

• April 6, 2023
• 9:54 p.m.There are already 2,740 specimens of common sea lions, Humboldt penguins, chungungos and 1 porpoise, which have stranded dead on the coasts of our country during the first quarter of 2023, mainly in the north.
• The epidemiological situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by H5 subtype of Eurasian lineage has continued to spread. There are 9 regions of the country that have registered marine fauna protected by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law with positivity for avian influenza, with positive cases from Arica to Biobío.
• To date, a total of 32 specimens of marine animals confirmed as HPAI-positive have been counted, corresponding to 2 chungungos, 25 sea lions, 4 Humboldt penguins and 1 spiny porpoise. Regarding this last case, it is a small cetacean that ran aground on March 27 on Las Islas de Atacama beach, and whose sampling result was positive for Avian Influenza, thus expanding to a new marine species affected by this contingency. It is worth mentioning that both in Peru and the United States, positivity had also been registered in small cetaceans.
• However, the figures increase considerably if the marine animals stranded dead in these weeks are considered. In total, 1,960 specimens of sea lions, 769 Humboldt penguins, 10 chungungos and 1 porpoise are reported, stranded dead on the country's coasts. The northern macrozone concentrates the highest mortality of these animals, with the region of Arica and Parinacota leading the ranking, followed by Atacama, Antofagasta, Tarapacá and Coquimbo.
• “So far this year we have recorded a historic number of dead stranded marine animals, corresponding to 2,740 specimens. The total of these dead stranded animals in 2022 was 160, which shows that we are clearly facing an anomalous situation, registering 1,712% more strandings this year,” said Soledad Tapia, National Director of Sernapesca.
  In the context of the Avian Influenza emergency, work has been reinforced with other entities such as the Presidential Delegations, Regional Governments, SAG, Seremías, Municipalities and others, in order to support an active surveillance plan throughout the coastline with the in order to reduce the risks of viral circulation of said disease, through the detection, testing and final disposal of affected animals.
• It should be noted that SERNAPESCA is prioritizing assistance to the strandings of animals with symptoms associated with avian influenza. As for the disposal of the dead animals, it corresponds to the respective municipalities with the support of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service to protect the biosafety protocols.
• The service reiterated the emphatic call to people who are on the coastline not to touch or manipulate, keep their distance, and report in the event that a dead bird or marine animal is detected on the coastline or that shows signs such as: decay, coughing, breathing difficulties or muscle spasms. This includes not moving them, not returning them to the sea or burying them on beaches at your own expense.

:tiphat:https://www.elzorronortino.cl/agric...-aviar-cetaceo-menor-dio-positivo-en-atacama/

 

[sharon sanders]

Sernapesca reports marine species affected by avian influenza: small cetacean tested positive in Atacama

• April 6, 2023
• 9:54 p.m.There are already 2,740 specimens of common sea lions, Humboldt penguins, chungungos and 1 porpoise, which have stranded dead on the coasts of our country during the first quarter of 2023, mainly in the north.
• The epidemiological situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by H5 subtype of Eurasian lineage has continued to spread. There are 9 regions of the country that have registered marine fauna protected by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law with positivity for avian influenza, with positive cases from Arica to Biobío.
• To date, a total of 32 specimens of marine animals confirmed as HPAI-positive have been counted, corresponding to 2 chungungos, 25 sea lions, 4 Humboldt penguins and 1 spiny porpoise. Regarding this last case, it is a small cetacean that ran aground on March 27 on Las Islas de Atacama beach, and whose sampling result was positive for Avian Influenza, thus expanding to a new marine species affected by this contingency. It is worth mentioning that both in Peru and the United States, positivity had also been registered in small cetaceans.
• However, the figures increase considerably if the marine animals stranded dead in these weeks are considered. In total, 1,960 specimens of sea lions, 769 Humboldt penguins, 10 chungungos and 1 porpoise are reported, stranded dead on the country's coasts. The northern macrozone concentrates the highest mortality of these animals, with the region of Arica and Parinacota leading the ranking, followed by Atacama, Antofagasta, Tarapacá and Coquimbo.
• “So far this year we have recorded a historic number of dead stranded marine animals, corresponding to 2,740 specimens. The total of these dead stranded animals in 2022 was 160, which shows that we are clearly facing an anomalous situation, registering 1,712% more strandings this year,” said Soledad Tapia, National Director of Sernapesca.
  In the context of the Avian Influenza emergency, work has been reinforced with other entities such as the Presidential Delegations, Regional Governments, SAG, Seremías, Municipalities and others, in order to support an active surveillance plan throughout the coastline with the in order to reduce the risks of viral circulation of said disease, through the detection, testing and final disposal of affected animals.
• It should be noted that SERNAPESCA is prioritizing assistance to the strandings of animals with symptoms associated with avian influenza. As for the disposal of the dead animals, it corresponds to the respective municipalities with the support of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service to protect the biosafety protocols.
• The service reiterated the emphatic call to people who are on the coastline not to touch or manipulate, keep their distance, and report in the event that a dead bird or marine animal is detected on the coastline or that shows signs such as: decay, coughing, breathing difficulties or muscle spasms. This includes not moving them, not returning them to the sea or burying them on beaches at your own expense.

:tiphat:https://www.elzorronortino.cl/agric...-aviar-cetaceo-menor-dio-positivo-en-atacama/

[COLOR=#0b4f87 !important]Sernapesca reports that marine species affected by avian influenza are expanding: small cetacean tested positive in Atacama[/COLOR]


Government report that the article refers to:

Thursday April 06, 2023



There are already 2,740 specimens of common sea lions, Humboldt penguins, chungungos and 1 porpoise, which have stranded dead on the coasts of our country during the first quarter of 2023, mainly in the north.
The epidemiological situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by H5 subtype of Eurasian lineage has continued to spread. There are 9 regions of the country that have registered marine fauna protected by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law with positivity for avian influenza, with positive cases from Arica to Biobío.
To date, a total of 32 specimens of marine animals confirmed as HPAI-positive have been counted, corresponding to 2 chungungos, 25 sea lions, 4 Humboldt penguins and 1 spiny porpoise. Regarding this last case, it is a small cetacean that ran aground on March 27 on Las Islas de Atacama beach, and whose sampling result was positive for Avian Influenza, thus expanding to a new marine species affected by this contingency. It is worth mentioning that both in Peru and the United States, positivity had also been registered in small cetaceans.
However, the figures increase considerably if the marine animals stranded dead in these weeks are considered. In total, 1,960 specimens of sea lions, 769 Humboldt penguins, 10 chungungos and 1 porpoise are reported, stranded dead on the country's coasts. The northern macrozone concentrates the highest mortality of these animals, with the region of Arica and Parinacota leading the ranking, followed by Atacama, Antofagasta, Tarapacá and Coquimbo.
“So far this year we have recorded a historic number of dead stranded marine animals, corresponding to 2,740 specimens. The total of these dead stranded animals in 2022 was 160, which shows that we are clearly facing an anomalous situation, registering 1,712% more strandings this year,” said Soledad Tapia, National Director of Sernapesca.
In the context of the Avian Influenza emergency, work has been reinforced with other entities such as the Presidential Delegations, Regional Governments, SAG, Seremías, Municipalities and others, in order to support an active surveillance plan throughout the coastline with the in order to reduce the risks of viral circulation of said disease, through the detection, testing and final disposal of affected animals.


http://www.sernapesca.cl/noticias/s...marinas-afectadas-por-influenza-aviar-cetaceo