Serfor: More than 13,000 wild seabirds have died from bird flu

The latest official report, prepared at the national level by the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), reports that more than 13,869 wild seabirds have died from H5N1 avian influenza along large parts of our coastline, both inside and outside protected areas.

Of that number, 10,257 pelicans of this species have been recorded, according to the institution; Among other species there are 2919 sea gannets, 614 chamanas. The information was released by biologist Lady Amaro, who said that the official reports are based on a calculation carried out by specialists from the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (ATFFS) Technical Directorate and AgroRural.

On the other hand, SURFOR reported that two marine life specialists traveled to the city of Piura to begin taking laboratory samples from the sea lions and wild birds that died this week in that city, to determine the cause of their death, that is, whether they were infected by virus.

For its part, the National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa) announced the activation of an epidemiological fence in the Lambaeque region to combat the first outbreak of avian influenza type A subtype H5 detected in a poultry farm.

Activation of the epidemiological barrier in the village of Gallito, in the San José area, in Lambayequewill allow “to keep the outbreak under control with constant epidemiological surveillance,” the report said. Senas.

“Don’t go near the birds, don’t touch them”

Epidemiologist Sergio Recuenco, a specialist in zoonoses, urged the public not to approach or touch dead wild birds on the coast, probably due to bird flu.

“At this time when the heat is on, there are swimmers, there are also people and rescue groups who take care of the wildlife species, so it’s not surprising that there are people who want to go up to the dying animals, touch them and try to help. Here’s a warning: don’t approach them, don’t touch them,” he said on the program. News extension RPP.

Infection and symptoms of bird flu

Recuenko specified that the infection bird flu It is mainly caused by droplets of secretions that get into the eyes, onto the lining of the mouth or nose, or when someone brings their hands to their face after contact with a bird. He clarified that transmission does not occur through water.

“This is a respiratory infection and it is exactly like a cold, with the difference that we cannot anticipate the severity of this infection. It can be very mild, without much significance, but it can be so severe that it can lead to death. “especially this strain. The speed is a few hours, and the symptoms begin in three to four days, and the development is the same as any cold or respiratory virus,” the specialist added.