The World Today
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5) has reached Arrecifes, a city in the province of Buenos Aires , setting off a public health alarm. The National Service of Agricultural Health and Quality (Senasa) confirmed the finding after analyzing samples of backyard birds that showed severe symptoms and high mortality.
This episode marks a new challenge for Argentina in terms of animal health, although authorities clarified that the country maintains its disease-free status.
How the alert began in Arrecifes
It all began when a backyard farmer in the Buenos Aires municipality of Arrecifes noticed unusual behavior in his birds. Chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks were showing weakness, nasal discharge, incoordination, and blue combs . In just one day, mortality was much higher than normal.
The owner notified Senasa, which sent a technical team to take samples and transport them to the central laboratory in Martínez. There, the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 virus , a highly dangerous variant, was confirmed.
What is avian flu and how is it transmitted?
Avian influenza is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds. In highly pathogenic cases, it can cause drastic declines in egg production, severe respiratory illness, and sudden death .
According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) and the CDC , human transmission is rare but possible. When it occurs, it usually presents with fever, cough, conjunctivitis , and, in more severe cases, respiratory complications requiring hospitalization.
The virus is transmitted primarily through direct contact between sick and healthy birds, but also through secretions, water, feed, or contaminated surfaces.
Control measures applied by Senasa
Following confirmation of the outbreak in Arrecifes, Senasa implemented emergency protocols :
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✅ Sanitary slaughter of 120 birds , including chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and guinea fowl.
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✅ Controlled burial of all specimens.
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Thorough cleaning and of the property.
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✅ Establishment of a three-kilometer sanitary cordon around the outbreak.
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✅ Constant surveillance to detect possible new cases.
These actions seek to reduce the circulation of the virus and prevent its spread to industrial establishments or wild birds.
Epidemiological surveillance in Buenos Aires
Senasa reported that no other suspected cases have been detected within the prevention cordon so far. Specialized teams are patrolling the area, conducting inspections and gathering information.
This early control is key: if the virus spreads to industrial farms, the economic and health impact would be much greater. For now, containment in Arrecifes is considered successful.
Impact on poultry production in Argentina
The agency clarified that the detection of the virus in backyard birds does not change Argentina's status as a country free of avian influenza . This status is essential to maintaining exports and confidence in the poultry industry, which represents a significant part of the national economy.
In any case, Senasa has stepped up surveillance in Buenos Aires and other provinces, reinforcing controls on commercial farms, family breeding farms, and wild birds.
The importance of citizen collaboration
One of the most important points highlighted by Senasa is the early reporting of suspected cases . Anyone who observes abnormal mortality or birds with compatible symptoms should report it immediately.
The enabled channels are:
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Senasa offices throughout the country.
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Telephone: (11) 5700-5704 (WhatsApp).
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Email: notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar
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“Notify Senasa” digital form is available on the official website.
Citizen participation allows for the rapid detection of new outbreaks and the implementation of control measures without delay.
Arrecifes, epicenter of the outbreak in Buenos Aires
The outbreak was confirmed in Arrecifes, a city in the province of Buenos Aires , known for its agricultural and livestock traditions. There, backyard poultry is part of family production, which explains the rapid spread of the virus on that small property.
Early identification and swift action by Senasa were crucial in containing the outbreak and preventing it from spreading to areas with higher poultry production density.
Avian flu and human risk: what the experts say
Although human transmission is rare, health authorities recommend caution . People in direct contact with sick birds are most at risk.
Therefore, Senasa and the Ministry of Health are working together to monitor any suspected cases in humans, especially among those involved in slaughter and cleaning.
So far, no human infections have been reported in connection with the Arrecifes outbreak.
Conclusion
The confirmation of a case of avian flu in Arrecifes, Buenos Aires , serves as a wake-up call regarding the importance of epidemiological surveillance in Argentina. Senasa's rapid response, with sanitary stamping out, disinfection, and controls, contained the outbreak without affecting industrial production.
The challenge now is to maintain active alertness and strengthen prevention with the help of the community.
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