Actions in favor of the health of the marine fauna are being implemented, as the Ministries of the Environment (MA), Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), and Public Health (MSP) are taking sanitary measures with the aim of identifying an and act immediately. with cases of avian flu in sea lions.
This disease, which affects these marine animals (and various mammals, such as dogs, cats and even humans), causes the authorities to recall that there is no cure and that the virus responsible causes serious muscular, neurological and respiratory effects that, ultimately, lead to death of affected specimens.
Although the risk of infection in humans is very low, it is important that the population be alert and take precautions because cases of contagion can occur. Currently, there are no cases of transmission of avian flu from marine mammals to humans worldwide. However, to avoid any possible danger, the Environment, MGAP and MSP call on the population to avoid direct contact of people and pets with live or dead sea lions.
How to report suspected cases of bird flu
If you encounter sea lions and suspect symptoms of H5 avian influenza, you must immediately notify the National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (Dinara). You can do this by sending an email to infodinara@mgap.gub.uy or to denuncias.dinabise@ambiente.gub.uy. Quick action in these cases is essential for an effective response.
It is important to emphasize that, so far, no cases or open outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in production, backyard or wild birds in the country. The detections of marine mammals do not affect the zoosanitary status. Therefore, there is no risk in consuming fish and other seafood, or poultry meat.
The H5 avian flu virus and its mode of transmission
The H5 virus is transmitted primarily through the oral and respiratory routes, and is spread through secretions such as saliva or mucus, as well as waste products such as urine and faecal matter. It is important to emphasize that the survival of the virus in the environment is limited and varies depending on humidity, solar radiation and wind.
The authorities reported that measures have been implemented for the safe final disposal of the carcasses of the affected sea lions. In addition, active work is being done to monitor coastal areas, islands and islets to identify possible cases of avian influenza in marine fauna.
