Over 37,000 Birds Slaughtered in Peru After Avian Flu Hits the Area

Over the years, bird flu has been hitting different areas worldwide. According to RFI, the contagious avian influenza virus has hit a poultry set in Peru, specifically a Huacho-based farm located in the north of Lima.

Because of the confirmed case, over 37,000 birds have been killed to prevent the further spread of the illness. Jorge Mantilla, head of disease control in the national agricultural health agency SENASA, mentioned this.

Managing Avian Flu Outbreaks

To control the spread of these outbreaks, slaughtering infected birds is part of the protocol. This is done so that the further spread of the disease to other birds can be prevented. Avian flu is severely lethal and fatal for birds. Hence, authorities need to prevent the illness from reaching other birds and places.

(Photo: Pexels / Brian Forsyth)

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Bird Flu Casualties Across Peru

In the past weeks, around 14,000 seabirds in Peru have succumbed to bird flu. Most of these birds were pelicans.

Other than that, Phys also reports that there were around 700 birds that were killed to stop the virus from being transmitted to other birds. This took place across north Peru, specifically in Lambayeque city.

Because of this outbreak, the Peruvian Poultry Association notes that consuming eggs and births is risky.

After a case of avian flu was first confirmed among poultry on the farm, Peru immediately implemented a national health emergency worth 90 days.

Bird Flu's Roots and Spread

RFI notes that according to SENASA, bird flu comes from wild and untamed birds from North America. These birds then arrive in Patagonia.

Avian flu had its first outbreak across the Americas last year. Just last January 2022, the virus was spotted in the United States. Its presence has then affected poultry production, according to Peru authorities.

The CDC notes that while bird flu naturally happens among wild aquatic poultry, domesticated birds can also get infected through direct exposure to other infected birds or waterfowl. This can cover contact with the infected bird's nasal secretions, saliva, or manure. Other birds can also get infected by direct exposure to contaminated surfaces.

Bird flu is greatly contagious and infectious among different kinds of birds. At times, the virus may make the bird sick or even let it succumb to an untimely death.

When outbreaks are noted in particular poultry sets, culling or depopulation of infected poultry is done. Other than that, authorities also check nearby poultry or birds connected to the infected group. They may also quarantine flocks that are exposed.