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Peru: Learn about bird flu and precautions to help you keep healthy

Photo: Milagros Rodríguez

Photo: Milagros Rodríguez

10:28 | Lima, Dec. 1.

Since the first outbreak of bird flu in Peru, reported in the first half of November in the country's northern region of Piura, the evolution of this disease that affects birds has been exponential.

Authorities have recently reported more than 14,000 cases of dead seabirds and outbreaks in poultry. 

What is bird flu?

Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. 

According to experts, these viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide (infections are asymptomatic in some species but may cause highly lethal illness in others) and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. 


Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds.

Wild aquatic birds include waterbirds (waterfowl) such as ducks, geese, swans, gulls, and terns, and shorebirds, such as pelicans, storks, plovers, and sandpipers. 

Wild aquatic birds, especially dabbling ducks, are considered reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses. Wild aquatic birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract. Avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds.

Highly Pathogenic Virus

In the declaration of a health emergency due to the detection of avian influenza in Peru, issued by the National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA), the type of virus found in pelicans that died because of this disease was classified as "highly pathogenic."

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry. Besides, they can spread rapidly through these species. 

Can bird flu spread to humans?

Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred. 

Most of these cases have been reported in Asia. They have varied in severity, from asymptomatic or mild cases to severe cases that resulted in death.

Prevention

SENASA and the Ministry of Health (Minsa) make the following recommendations to the public:

-Do not handle dead or sick birds appearing on beaches along the Peruvian coast.

-Avoid exposure to domestic animals.

-If you have contact with domestic birds, disinfect your footwear prior to such contact at entry points to pens.

-Make sure water and food are not within the reach of wild birds. Clean pens daily.

-Wash your hands before and after entering pens to feed and care for birds.

-Go to a health facility immediately in case you have been exposed to or develop respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, red eyes, and difficulty breathing).

(END) MAO/RMB/MVB

Published: 12/1/2022
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