Brazil confirms first ever avian influenza cases in wild birds
Brazil, the leading global exporter of chicken, has announced the first-ever instances of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in wild birds. The Brazilian government has identified two sick terns on beaches on the coast of Espirito Santo state in the southeast. The birds, plus a brown booby at the rescue facility, showed neurologic symptoms. One died, and the two others were euthanized. Samples from all three birds were positive for H5N1. These cases, in accordance with guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), do not warrant a ban on imports of Brazilian poultry products. A government source revealed that enhanced epidemiological surveillance will be implemented in the vicinity of the confirmed cases to detect any potential instances in both wild and commercial animals. Since the affected cases were restricted to wild animals, Brazil's designation as a "HPAI-free country" remains unaffected.
