Argentina confirms its first case bird flu in the poultry industry, the agriculture minister said Tuesday, leading to the suspension of poultry exports and raising fears that the disease could spread and hurt exports from the South American country.
The case was discovered in the southern province of Río Negro, an area with a low density of poultry, Secretary Juan José Bajillo said on Twitter.
“Our poultry products continue to be safe for Argentines. The suspension of exports is in line with international regulations,” he said, adding that the measure by the country’s food safety agency is aimed at preventing further spread.
MAINE PROTECTION AUTHORITIES DISCOVER 6 DEAD WILD DUCKS TESTED POSITIVE FOR AVIAN FLU
A man holds a test tube labeled “Avian Flu” on January 14, 2023. Argentina has identified the first case of avian influenza in the poultry industry, prompting the country to stop exporting poultry meat. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
About 25 cases have been confirmed to date, mostly in wild birds. The first cases were reported in mid-February and forced the country to declare a public health emergency.
Poultry products generate exports for Argentina valued at just over $350 million a year.