H5N1: another contaminated bird is found in Rio de Janeiro

This Thursday (25), the government of Rio de Janeiro confirmed the collection of another migratory wild bird infected with the H5N1 viruson Tomoios beach, in Cabo Frio.

the bird found “Thalasseus acuflavidus”popularly known as ternswas collected by Official Veterinary Service (SVO) and forwarded for laboratory investigation, with no exposure to circulating people.

According to Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA)the world is witnessing the biggest Avian Flu pandemic in recent years, which, since then, has been continually appearing in the Brazilian news.

Experts say the virus Influenza A (H5N1)whose main reservoir are the wild waterfowl, has low pathogenicity in humans, and its suspicions have been reported with the translation of mild symptoms. However, it affirms the paramount importance of avoiding direct or indirect contact with contaminated birds, in order to discourage a new viral pandemic.

Here’s some more information about the H5N1 flu. (Video: Playback/YouTube).

Low pathogenic avian influenza is a zoonosis illustrated by mild symptoms, sometimes unnoticed, commonly characterized by fever and cough; may progress to severe respiratory symptoms. The viral strain is highly mutated, which helps it proliferate and adapt to living organisms.

The researcher from the University of São Paulo (USP), Jose Eduardo Leviclaims “The virus is circulating more. Unlike you having one case or another detected in birds, now we are seeing it in several places. This shows that, in fact, it is spreading not only in birds, both domestic and wild, but in mammals and from very different places.”.

A Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Supply, released a contingency plan that admits measures for the early identification of H5N1 in wild, domestic and exotic birds. It is also envisaged that poultry breeders enlist new measures to intensify safety on their farms.

It is estimated that the emergence of new zoonoses is intrinsically linked to the proximity to wildlife, stimulated by the invasion of habitats.

Featured photo: Trinta-reis-de-bando. Playback/Wikiaves.