Peru: SENASA Issues Health Alert Over HPAI H5N1 In Wild Birds

Credit SERFOR

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A month ago today (Oct 25th), we saw the first known outbreak of HPAI H5 into South America (see WOAH: Colombia Reports Two Outbreaks of HPAI H5N1), which was followed 10 days ago by an even deeper incursion in Peru (see Peru: SENASA Reports HPAI H5 In Pelicans)  nearly 1,000 miles to the south of the Colombian outbreaks. 

The initial official WOAH WAHIS report (EVENT ID 4732) indicated roughly 200 pelicans had died on Los Cangrejos beach, province of Paita, department of Piura.

 

Since then there have been  media reports of an additional estimated 3000 to 5000 pelican deaths reported from the beaches and natural areas of Piura (bordering Ecuador), Lambayeque, and Lima (see Mercopress report). 

We've two (translated) press releases from Peruvian agencies this morning.  First, from Peru's SENASA (National Agrarian Health Service).

SENASA declares a health alert for Avian Influenza H5N1 in wild birds

Press release

November 24, 2022 - 9:47 a.m.

To prevent the 'highly pathogenic' H5N1 avian influenza from spreading in backyard birds and commercial farms, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), through the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), declared the country on health alert for a period of 180 calendar days.

In compliance with SENASA procedures, the health alert was made official through Chief Resolution No. 173-2022-MIDAGRI-SENASA, published in the newspaper El Peruano.

Through official regulations, it has been established:

• Intensify epidemiological surveillance for early detection of the disease in domestic and wild birds.
• Activate the poultry health committees and strengthen awareness and training among the population, teaching the characteristics of the disease, in order to achieve recognition and immediate notification to SENASA.
• Urge poultry producers, both backyard, fighting cocks and commercial farms, to intensify biosecurity measures and promptly report any sign of disease in birds to SENASA.

Highly pathogenic

In the same way, avian influenza is a disease that has no cure or treatment, it causes high mortality in wild and domestic birds such as ducks, chickens, chickens, turkeys, among others.

The presence of the disease in the country is still being studied by SENASA; however, the first hypothesis focuses on the movement carried out by migratory wild birds, which are usually carriers of the Influenza virus.

To date, only positive cases of H5 avian influenza have been confirmed in wild birds (pelicans) in the regions of Piura, Lambayeque and Lima. There are no reports of this disease in backyard birds or commercial farms ; Therefore, it does not represent a risk for the consumption of meat and eggs of domestic birds.

It is important to mention that we are all part of prevention; For this reason, the inhabitants have been urged NOT TO MANIPULATE wild birds since they can report the presence of dead or sick birds to the cell phone: 946 922 469 or email reporta.peru@senasa.gob.pe

Technical secretary

SENASA

From Peru's National Forestry and Wildlife Service (Serfor), we get the following cautionary report:

National Forest and Wildlife Service

Serfor recommends not handling wild coastal marine birds

Press release

In order to avoid spreading the 'highly pathogenic' H5N1 avian influenza, SENASA declared a health alert for one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days, throughout the national territory.

November 24, 2022 - 1:08 p.m

Lima, November 24, 2022.- Given the presence of the avian influenza virus type A, subtype H5 in the country, the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) urges the population to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds that They can appear on the shore of the beaches of the coast or surroundings.

 

As it is a highly contagious virus, people are advised not to bring seabirds into their homes or touch them, in order to avoid spreading the virus to farmed or poultry birds. Also, if you find dead birds, avoid touching them or pets coming into contact with them.

 

We are all part of prevention, so report to the authorities to carry out the collection and attention with biosecurity measures to the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru (Senasa) 946 922 469 or to the email reporta.peru@senasa.gob.pe SERFOR by means of a written WhatsApp message to the number 947 588 269. A photo, exact location and contact number must be sent for coordination.

 

SERFOR carries out the work of attention to reports of affected wildlife in coordination with Senasa, who collect and analyze samples from backyard, farm and wild birds. It also carries out coordination and training with the Regional Forestry and Wildlife Authorities, local governments and various related institutions.

 

To date Senasa has confirmed positive cases of H5 avian influenza in wild birds, Peruvian pelicans ( Pelecanus thagus ) in the regions of Piura, Lambayeque and Lima. There are no reports of this disease in backyard birds or commercial farms; Therefore, it does not represent a risk for the consumption of meat and eggs of domestic birds.

 

United in prevention 

Senasa declared the Health Alert in order to prevent the virus from spreading in backyard birds and commercial farms, therefore, it has been arranged:

- Intensify epidemiological surveillance for early detection of the disease in domestic and wild birds.   

- Activate the poultry health committees and strengthen awareness and training among the population, teaching the characteristics of the disease, in order to achieve recognition and immediate notification to SENASA. 

- Urge poultry producers, both backyard, fighting cocks and commercial farms, to intensify biosecurity measures and promptly report to SENASA any signs of disease in the birds.

 

The introduction of HPAI H5 to a new continent provides this avian flu virus with access to millions of immunologically naive wild birds, and to an array of LPAI viruses with which to reassort.

HPAI H5 evolves easily and often (see Preprint: Rapid Evolution of A(H5N1) Influenza Viruses After Intercontinental Spread to North America), meaning new, and potentially more dangerous, variants may emerge.

Terrestrial mammals may also be at risk, as we've already seen in North America and Europe (see USDA/APHIS Snapshot: HPAI H5N1 In The United States).

Just over a month ago, we saw a highly concerning report from Spain: Avian H5N1 Spillover Into Farmed Mink.  In South America Chinchilla farming for fur is common, as is the raising of guinea pigs for food.  

Guinea pigs are considered a delicacy in parts of South America (Peruvians reportedly consume more than 65 million of them each year, and they may also be found on the menu in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Columbia). 

Most of these animals are raised on small farms, often in close contact with other livestock as well as humans.

A decade ago, in EID Journal: Guinea Pigs As Reservoirs For Influenza, we looked at the susceptibility of guinea pigs to influenza viruses, and the surprise detection of Influenza B in roughly 2/3rds of the samples taken from 3 Ecuadorean farms.

Despite 4 known (mild) human infections, the health threat to the general public from these HPAI H5 viruses remains very low, and it is mainly of concern to those who work closely with poultry.

That assessment is subject to change, however.  Which is why the CDC has issued guidance for the public On Preventive Measures to Protect Against Bird Flu Viruses.