Bird flu cases were detected in black-necked swans.
(Credit: Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries website)
(CNN Spanish) --
Uruguay declared a health emergency on Wednesday after detecting the "highly pathogenic" H5 bird flu virus in black-necked swans found dead, according to the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries.
These are the first cases of this "exotic viral disease" that have been registered in Uruguay and that were notified by the Park Ranger Service in Laguna Garzón, in the departments of Maldonado and Rocha, in the east of the country.
Bird flu is not yet a direct threat to humans, experts say, but they are keeping a close eye on the virus
The health emergency linked to this virus implies the restriction of "all movements of backyard birds", as well as "birds that are not controlled through the Agricultural Monitoring System" throughout the Uruguayan territory.
"Fairs, auctions, exhibitions and events related to the avian species" were also suspended, according to the statement.
The Uruguayan authorities clarified that "the consumption of poultry meat or eggs does not affect human health," but warned that "contact with birds sick with influenza can affect humans, so the population is urged to notify the presence of dead birds or with nervous, digestive or respiratory symptoms”.
bird flu Uruguay
