Brazil reports first cases of bird flu in wildlife

The H5N1 subtype virus was found in three samples of pathological material from birds living in two areas of the municipality of Cariasica (Espirito Santo state), located in close proximity to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Two Cabot terns and a brown booby showed symptoms of the infectious disease. The signal about epizootic trouble came from the Institute for Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals.

The State Veterinary Service of Brazil (SVO) arranged a check on the revealed fact. Employees of the department vaccinated sick birds, determined the boundaries of the quarantine and buffer zones, and carried out all other anti-epizootic measures.

Brazil's Agriculture, Livestock and Food Minister Carlos Fávaro has announced a high alert for local veterinary services and poultry businesses. Specialists carry out explanatory work with the population and owners of small farms where poultry is kept.