Bolivia: first case of avian influenza
For the first time, Bolivia has reported two occurrences of H5N1 avian influenza. This highly contagious virus has already caused the death of countless birds in the United States and Europe, according to Reuters. The propagation of the virus is of significant concern for government entities and poultry industry personnel as it impedes supply, escalates food prices, and carries the potential of transmission to humans. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, based in Paris, the first outbreak was identified on a laying-hen farm in Sacaba containing 35,000 birds. The second was found on a small property in Quillacollo with 202 domestic ducks, geese, and chickens.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in other Latin American countries, including Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador.
