By Andrea Hargraves 
With a high death rate, the disease already has cases recorded in neighboring countries. (photo: disclosure)
As a precautionary measure against the entry of avian influenza into Rio Grande do Sul, the Secretariat for Environment and Infrastructure (CIMA) has decided to suspend all singing tournaments and bird shows in Rio Grande do Sul, as well as meetings of bird breeders, for a period of 90 days. The measure applies to both native and exotic species.
This is contained in Normative Instruction No. 1/2023 issued jointly by the Secretariat for Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation (Seapi).
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, to date, no case of the disease caused by the influenza virus has been confirmed in Brazil. But recent confirmation of cases in samples of wild species in neighboring countries such as Argentina and Uruguay has prompted the government of Rio Grande do Sul to intensify prevention and control measures.
Contact with infected wild migratory birds is the main risk factor for transmitting avian influenza to poultry. With symptoms that include difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, lack of motor coordination, torticollis and diarrhea, the disease has a high mortality rate.
In addition to birds, mammals such as humans can also be infected. Although this type of occurrence is considered rare, there are known cases. Transmission occurs mainly from direct contact with contaminated animals (or environments).
Symptoms are similar to those of common influenza, including general malaise, fever over 38°C, chills, weakness, dry cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and pain in the abdomen, throat and body in general.
The Minister of the Environment advises visitors to state county units or parks that if there are birds showing symptoms compatible with avian influenza, the animal should not be touched. It is also necessary to contact the unit manager immediately.
Other communication channels are agricultural defense inspectorates or offices. Notifications can be sent through the messaging app whatsapp (51) 98445-2033 and by email [email protected].
risk to the economy
When a case is detected, all other birds within a 3 km radius must be slaughtered. The United States, which is usually well prepared in terms of health, has recorded two outbreaks in the past six months, killing at least 50 million animals — Americans continue to suffer from high prices and shortages of eggs and chicken meat.
In Brazil, market analysts estimate that if avian influenza spreads, an economic catastrophe will befall the animal protein sector. After all, the country is one of the largest exporters of chicken in the world, the meat of which is currently also accessible to domestic consumers.
(Marcelo Campos)