Infectious Diseases 2026

Argentina’s National Health and Agrifood Quality Service (SENASA) confirmed a new outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5 in a commercial poultry facility on February 23, 2026. The detection has triggered an immediate, voluntary suspension of poultry product exports to international markets.
The outbreak was identified in a heavy breeder flock located in Ranchos, Buenos Aires Province, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of the capital. All birds in the infected flock are being culled. The commercial outbreak follows closely on the heels of environmental alerts in the region. On February 21, 2026, the virus was detected in wild bird populations, at the Laguna La Salada Grande nature reserve.