Brazil has confirmed its first cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in wild birds. The South American nation, a leading global chicken exporter, announced the detection of two bird flu cases on Monday.
The bird flu virus was detected in two Cabot’s terns -marine birds- located on the coast of the southeastern state of Espirito Santo.
Avian influenza poses a significant threat to bird populations, capable of killing entire flocks. Despite a global outbreak of the virus, Brazil had managed to avoid any confirmed cases until this recent development.
The Brazilian Agriculture Ministry said it would increase surveillance efforts to detect potential bird flu cases in both wild and commercial animals near the confirmed cases.
Brazil-based BRF, the world’s largest chicken exporting company, has expressed readiness for any scenario following the bird flu confirmation. The top importers of Brazilian chicken products include China, Japan, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
A record number of chickens, turkeys and other birds were killed after bird flu outbreaks in the United States, Europe and Britain, and the virus is spreading in South America, Africa, and Asia. The virus has jumped from birds to other animals, including humans.
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