[Animals] Onemi declares Early Alert in Arica and Parinacota due to the presence of avian influenza

[FNX Magokiler]

Once the background of the SAG was collected, the Minsal also decreed a Health Alert to reinforce the "components of epidemiological surveillance in people."

The Seremi from Arica remarked that only those who are exposed to handling sick or dead birds are at risk of becoming infected.

Onemi declared a Preventive Early Alert for animal health emergency in the Region of Arica and Parinacota after the detection of the avian influenza virus (H5N1) in wild aquatic birds in the area.

Having collected the information from the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), the Ministry of Health also decreed a Sanitary Alert, establishing the need to reinforce the "components of epidemiological surveillance in people and treatment in case studies, environmental surveillance and applying safety measures." prevention and control to the entire epidemiological surveillance network," according to the Onemi statement.

"The health authority recommends that the po[CENSORED]tion avoid handling dead or sick birds," and also "purchase and consume formally marketed poultry meat, eggs, or poultry by-products, and subject to health control," the letter adds.

 

 

The Arica Health Seremi, Leonardo Valenzuela, specified that "although the H5N1 virus can affect people, the risk of transmission is only for those who are exposed to handling sick or dead birds."

"For this reason, the call is not to be alarmed, but to be alert, especially avoiding the handling of dead or sick birds, since the virus can be spread through them," he emphasized.

The authorities also indicated that some of the symptoms of the virus in humans are fever, cough, muscle pain, sore throat, and even vomiting or conjunctivitis in some cases.

Suspecting birds in poor condition, the head of SAG's Livestock Protection, Carlos Orellana, pointed out that people "should contact the Service's offices in each region, or any other body, because we have coordination with the rest of the equipment of the State - the Ministry of Health, the National Fisheries Service and the Navy".

These complaints can be made by calling 22 345 1100, or by writing to Whatsapp +56 9 6908 9780 or by email oficina.informaciones@sag.gob.cl.

 

https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/region-de-arica/onemi-declaro-alerta-temprana-en-arica-y-parinacota-por-presencia-de-la/2022-12-13/102913.html