Argentina - Bird flu in poultry 2025-2026

[Shiloh]

Source: https://elfuertediario.com.ar/caso-d...-bioseguridad/

Case of avian influenza in backyard birds: they ask to reinforce management, hygiene and biosecurity measures
Sun 16 Feb 2025 NATIONAL

It was in the town of Tres Isletas, Chaco. Analysis on samples of chickens, turkeys and ducks were positive, which triggered the implementation of the corresponding sanitary protocol.

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in backyard birds in the province of Chaco, specifically in the town of Tres Isletas. The analyses carried out on samples of chickens, turkeys and ducks were positive, which triggered the implementation of the corresponding sanitary protocol.

As part of the preventive actions, the affected property was intervened, the depopulation of the birds was carried out and hygiene and disinfection measures were applied in the area to prevent the spread of the disease.

The outbreak in backyard birds does not compromise the country's health status or affect commercial activities. However, Senasa calls on all poultry farms to reinforce management, hygiene and biosecurity measures to prevent the entry and spread of the virus. Likewise, owners of domestic birds are recommended to keep them in closed spaces, away from wild birds, and to proceed with regular cleaning and disinfection of chicken coops. It is also suggested to restrict the access of wild birds to water and food sources in family chicken coops.

In case of deaths or symptoms compatible with bird flu, it is important to notify Senasa immediately for prompt intervention. Notifications can be made at the nearest Office, by phone, by WhatsApp at (11) 5700 5704, by email at notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar, or through the “Notify Senasa” Form available on its official website. (DIB) GML

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6272

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6630

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6737

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Related to the WOAH report that Lance posted above:


/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Toldos
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Translation Google

Avian influenza: A positive case was confirmed in commercial poultry in Buenos Aires.

In the town of Los Toldos, after analyzing samples, Senasa detected an outbreak of the disease in a laying hen farm.

August 19, 2025

Senasa confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in poultry in the province of Buenos Aires through laboratory diagnosis , after analyzing samples from the property located in the city of Los Toldos .

The establishment involved - laying hens - notified the health agency of the presence of clinical signs compatible with the disease and the samples were quickly collected and analyzed , which tested positive for H5 HPAI.

To contain the virus and prevent its spread, Senasa established a Sanitary Control Zone (ZCS), consisting of a 3-km perifoco zone around the outbreak , where containment, biosecurity, and movement restriction measures were intensified; and a surveillance zone, with a 7-km radius around the perifoco zone , where monitoring, control, and epidemiological screening were carried out.

The sanitary actions of Senasa agents will include the depopulation and final disposal of the birds , followed by the implementation of hygiene and disinfection measures on the premises . It should be noted that, based on the epidemiological surveillance carried out, the region where the establishment is located does not represent a significant poultry production area .

With this finding, Argentina will officially report the development to the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) and temporarily suspend exports of poultry products to countries with which it maintains a disease -free health agreement . However, based on the results achieved in recent months, our country will be able to continue trading with countries that recognize the HPAI-free zoning and compartment strategy .

If no further outbreak occurs in commercial establishments, and at least 28 days have passed since the slaughter, cleaning, and disinfection of the facility, Argentina will be able to declare itself free of the virus to the WHO and restore its health status, enabling the resumption of poultry exports.

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/influenza-aviar-se-confirmo-un-caso-positivo-en-aves-comerciales-de-buenos-aires

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Department
for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs

Animal &
Plant Health
Agency

Guidance
21 August 2025: Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Argentina


Updated 22 August 2025
...
Date: 21 August 2025

1. Purpose

To inform you that imports of the following commodities from Argentina are suspended due to a recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI):

• fresh poultry, ratite and wild game bird meat produced on or after 19 August 2025
• meat products from poultry, ratites and wild game birds that have not been subject to treatment ‘D’ or higher (such as, treatments ‘D’, ‘C’ or ‘B’, as defined in Annex 1)

If you have any query about this OVS note, contact the APHA Imports and EU Trade Team by email at imports@apha.gov.uk.

2. Background

Argentina have notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of their first case of HPAI since 2023, which was confirmed on 19 August 2025. This outbreak was located on a commercial poultry farm in the province of Buenos Aires. View the detailed outbreak report on the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) event dashboard.

We do not currently have a regionalisation agreement with Argentina for HPAI and, as such, the whole territory of Argentina is no longer considered free from HPAI.

To mitigate against the risk of HPAI, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance amended its third country listings on 21 August 2025 to suspend imports of the following commodities from the whole territory of Argentina:

• Fresh meat of poultry, farmed ratites and wild game birds produced on or after 19 August 2025. This has been achieved through the insertion of a closing date of 19/08/2025 in column 6A of Argentina’s entry for fresh poultry meat (POU), wild game bird meat (WGM) and farmed ratite meat (RAT) in the Poultry and Poultry Products third country listing.
• Meat products of poultry, farmed ratites and wild game birds that have not been subject to at least heat treatment ‘D’. Treatment ‘D’ requires that products are subject to ‘A minimum temperature of 70°C which must be reached throughout the meat and/or stomachs, bladders and intestines during the processing of meat products and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines. This has been achieved through the application of treatment ‘D’ in column 7 of Argentina’s entry in the Meat Products third country listing.

The eggs (E), egg products (EP) and specified pathogen-free eggs (SPF) certificates include assurances to address the risk of introduction of HPAI, therefore closing dates have not been applied to these commodities in the Poultry and Poultry Products third country listing.
...

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/21-august-2025-outbreak-of-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-in-argentina#:~:text=To%20mitigate%20against%20the%20 risk,or%20after%2019%20August%202025.

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Translation Google

Ministry of Health

Update of the National Epidemiological Bulletin of the SE No. 33

This document provides strategic information on the country's epidemiological situation. It includes 80 Notifiable Events (NNOs) linked to communicable and non-communicable diseases, including dengue, measles, and respiratory infections. This edition includes a report on avian influenza.

August 25, 2025
...
Emerging situations: avian flu

During the month of August, the National Service for Agricultural Health and Quality (SENASA) confirmed three new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) type H5 in backyard poultry in the province of Buenos Aires. The first, dated August 1, occurred in the Navarro district. On August 14, a new outbreak was confirmed in the Arrecifes district, and on August 19, another outbreak was confirmed in a laying hen poultry farm in the town of Los Toldos, General Viamonte district.

To date, five outbreaks have been recorded in the country this year. The first was reported on February 14 in the town of Tres Isletas, Maipú Department, Chaco Province. The second occurred on July 15 in backyard poultry in the Lezama district, Buenos Aires Province, affecting chickens, roosters, ducks, pigeons, geese, and turkeys.

It should be noted that no cases of avian influenza have been reported in humans. As part of surveillance efforts, health teams identified exposed individuals (those in contact with sick or dead birds during avian influenza outbreaks) and began monitoring them for 10 days to detect possible symptoms. To date, 41 cases have been reported, and two suspected cases have been ruled out by the National Influenza Centers.

People at risk of contracting this disease are those exposed, directly or indirectly, to infected birds (domestic, wild, or captive), for example, bird keepers who have close and regular contact with infected birds or during slaughter or cleaning and disinfection of affected farms. Affected jurisdictions are advised to strengthen precautionary measures, and the public is reminded that there is currently no risk from consuming products such as eggs, poultry, or any other byproduct of the poultry industry.
...

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/actualizacion-del-boletin-epidemiologico-nacional-de-la-se-ndeg-33

[Commonground]

translated
September 1, 2025

Argentina suspended exports of poultry products after the confirmation of a case of avian influenza in Buenos Aires

SENASA detected an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in laying hens in Los Toldos.
The National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) confirmed through laboratory diagnosis a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in poultry in the province of Buenos Aires. The discovery occurred at a laying hen facility located in the city of Los Toldos, after the property reported clinical signs consistent with the disease.

Following the report, agency technicians collected samples that tested positive for HPAI H5, prompting immediate activation of the corresponding sanitary measures. Among these measures, a Sanitary Control Zone (ZCS) was established, consisting of a 3-kilometer perimeter around the outbreak with biosecurity measures and movement restrictions, and a 7-kilometer surveillance zone, where monitoring, control, and epidemiological screening are carried out.

The sanitary measures include the depopulation of affected birds, their final disposal, and the subsequent hygiene and disinfection of the facilities. Senasa clarified that the region where the outbreak was detected is not a significant poultry production area, which reduces the productive impact of the situation.

At the international level, Argentina will report the case to the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) and temporarily suspend exports of poultry products to countries with which it maintains disease-free agreements. According to Clarín Rural, based on various sources consulted, the most important markets are Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Canada, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China, among others.
It should be noted that exports to China—which is Argentina's main market, accounting for 38% of total shipments—were only reopened in March of this year after being suspended due to avian influenza detected in 2023.
However, due to the zoning strategy and HPAI-free compartments, the country will be able to continue trading with the states that recognize this health scheme.

https://www.diariolavanguardia.com/campo/18846-argentina-suspendio-las-exportaciones-de-productos-aviares-tras-la-confirmacion-de-un-caso-de-influenza-aviar-en-buenos-aires/

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entre_R%C3%ADos_Province
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Translation Google

Detection of a positive case of avian influenza in backyard birds in Entre Ríos

The official Senasa laboratory, located in Martínez, confirmed the diagnosis in chickens in the town of Laurence, Nogoyá department.

September 1, 2025

Senasa detected a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 in backyard birds in the province of Entre Ríos , after performing the corresponding analysis on samples of chickens from the town of Laurence, department of Nogoyá.

After receiving a notification of a high mortality rate among the birds , Senasa agents took samples and sent them to the National Laboratory in Martínez , which hours later confirmed the diagnosis . The official field team quickly arranged for the slaughter and final disposal of the birds , followed by cleaning and disinfection of the affected property.

A 3-km prevention area was also established around the outbreak , where intensive surveillance and epidemiological monitoring were carried out . The health agency confirmed that no commercial poultry farms were located near the outbreak, so it was identified as an area of no productive relevance to poultry farming .

To prevent the virus from entering and spreading , Senasa recommends that all poultry farms strengthen their management, hygiene, and biosecurity measures . These include: periodically inspecting the integrity of bird netting; ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and supplies; intensifying cleaning in areas where wild bird feces accumulate; and reducing or eliminating areas with stagnant water that could attract other birds.

For those with backyard birds , it's important to keep them in protected areas to avoid potential contact with wild birds (the main transmitters of the virus); clean and disinfect chicken coops regularly ; wear clothing and footwear specifically for handling birds; and restrict wild birds' access to food and water sources in the coops.
If you observe bird mortality or clinical signs consistent with the disease, it is essential to notify SENASA for immediate response and attention to the suspicion.

Anyone can notify the Agency at the nearest Office —in person or by phone; via WhatsApp at (11) 5700 5704 ; via email at notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar ; or by using the Notify Senasa Form , available on the official website. For more information, visit the Senasa Microsite .

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/deteccion-de-un-caso-positivo-de-influenza-aviar-en-aves-de-traspatio-en-entre-rios

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6737

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6630

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wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7290

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Translation Google
Avian influenza: A positive case was confirmed in commercial poultry in Buenos Aires

In Ranchos, SENASA detected an outbreak of the disease at a genetic line establishment and activated its contingency plan.

February 23, 2026

Through laboratory diagnosis, the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) detected a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in poultry —heavy parent breeders— in the province of Buenos Aires , after analyzing samples from an establishment located in the town of Ranchos.

Following notification to the health authority of the presence of clinical signs compatible with the disease and the high mortality of birds, official veterinarians collected the samples and sent them to the SENASA Official Laboratory in Martinez , which confirmed the result of AIAP H5.

To contain the virus, the agency quickly activated its contingency plan , immediately closing the establishment . In accordance with the health protocol, a Health Control Zone was established, consisting of a 3 km perimeter zone around the outbreak, where containment, biosecurity, and movement restriction measures were intensified; and a 7 km surveillance area around the perimeter zone, where monitoring, control, and epidemiological tracing were carried out.

Subsequently, among the health actions contemplated in the plan, SENASA agents will supervise the depopulation and final disposal of the birds , with the subsequent application of hygiene and disinfection measures on the premises.

Following this discovery, the agency will officially inform the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and exports of poultry products to countries with which it has a sanitary agreement declaring them free of the disease will be temporarily suspended . However, due to the results achieved in recent months, Argentina will be able to continue trading with those countries that recognize its AIAP-free zoning and compartment strategy.
If no further outbreak occurs in commercial establishments and at least 28 days have passed since the slaughter, cleaning and disinfection tasks at the outbreak site, Argentina may declare itself free to the OMSA and restore its sanitary status, enabling the reactivation of poultry exports.

It is worth noting that production destined for the domestic market will continue as normal , given that avian influenza is not transmitted through the consumption of poultry meat or eggs.

Preventive measures and notification

To reduce the risk of spreading AIAP, poultry establishments must reinforce their management, hygiene and biosecurity measures —Resolution No. 1699/2019—, which include: periodically inspecting the integrity of bird netting; verifying the proper washing and disinfection of vehicles and supplies; intensifying cleaning in areas where fecal matter from wild birds (transmitters of the virus) accumulates; and reducing or eliminating areas with stagnant water that may attract other birds.

For backyard poultry keepers (domestic, non-commercial), it is advisable to keep them in protected spaces to avoid contact with wild specimens ; use dedicated work clothes; regularly clean and disinfect their facilities; and restrict access of wild birds to water and food sources in family chicken coops.

Upon observing bird deaths or neurological, digestive, and/or respiratory symptoms, SENASA must be notified immediately for prompt response and investigation of the suspected case. Anyone can report the situation to the nearest SENASA office (by phone or in person); via WhatsApp at (11) 5700 5704 ; by email to notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar ; or through the "Notify SENASA" form available on the official website. For more information about the disease, visit the official avian influenza microsite .

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/influenza-aviar-se-confirmo-un-caso-positivo-en-aves-comerciales-en-buenos-aires

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Translation Google
Health officials strengthen epidemiological surveillance in response to new cases of avian influenza


The cases were detected in backyard and commercial poultry in Buenos Aires and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. The National Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert to keep healthcare teams informed, strengthen surveillance in humans, and reinforce the early detection of suspected cases.

February 27, 2026

The Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert after the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA) confirmed new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in wild and domestic birds in the province of Buenos Aires (PBA) and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA). The purpose of the alert is to keep healthcare teams informed, strengthen epidemiological surveillance for the early identification and monitoring of human contacts, and reiterate the infection prevention and control measures.

On February 21, SENASA laboratories confirmed the detection of avian influenza virus in wild birds (brown-hooded gull, coscoroba swan, and black-necked swan) in the General Madariaga department of Buenos Aires Province. On February 23, new cases were detected in poultry in the town of Ranchos, also in Buenos Aires Province, and on February 25, two more outbreaks were confirmed, one in the town of Lobos and the other in Coscoroba swans at the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, located in the City of Buenos Aires.

SENASA is the agency responsible for carrying out the planned actions to prevent the spread of the virus and coordinating actions with provincial health authorities. Within this framework, the National Ministry of Health has been working in conjunction with national and provincial animal and human health teams since the confirmation of the first outbreak, to identify exposed cases, conduct the corresponding epidemiological investigation, and implement the necessary control measures.

The epidemiological alert issued by the national health ministry reiterates the measures that healthcare teams must implement upon confirmation of an avian influenza outbreak in animals. As a first step, they must notify the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS 2.0) of all cases of people exposed to animals sick or dead from this disease, or to contaminated environments without proper use of personal protective equipment, and monitor them for 10 days for the early detection of symptoms consistent with the disease.

If cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, with or without fever, is detected within 10 days of exposure, health professionals should prescribe antiviral treatment with oseltamivir according to clinical assessment, immediately report the event as "Suspected Emerging Virus" to SNVS.2.0, and take the necessary laboratory samples to identify the etiological agent within 4 days of the onset of symptoms.

Finally, the epidemiological alert reminds the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and with surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from wild or domestic birds, and to immediately notify SENASA upon the presence of sick or dead animals. Likewise, general recommendations for the prevention and control of the transmission of acute respiratory infections should be followed, and people should not attend work or school while sick.
While no human cases have been confirmed to date, it is important to note that human infections are primarily associated with direct contact with sick or dead animals or contaminated environments. The disease is not transmitted through the consumption of poultry meat or byproducts, and sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported to date.

In this context, the National Ministry of Health continues to work in close coordination with SENASA (National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service) and the health authorities of the Province of Buenos Aires and the City of Buenos Aires. This coordinated effort and active surveillance by healthcare teams are key factors in strengthening early detection, minimizing risks, and ensuring a timely health response.

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticia...nfluenza-aviar

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Translation Google
Córdoba recorded its first outbreak of avian influenza in commercial poultry

SENASA detected the outbreak in Alejo Ledesma, at an egg production facility. The contingency plan to contain the virus has been activated.

March 2, 2026

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 was confirmed in commercial birds in the town of Alejo Ledesma, Córdoba, after the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) analyzed samples from an egg production establishment for consumption.

SENASA immediately initiated all actions outlined in the Contingency Plan, including the closure of the establishment and the establishment of a 10 km Sanitary Control Zone (SCS) around the outbreak. Within this zone, containment measures, enhanced biosecurity protocols, movement restrictions, monitoring, and epidemiological tracing will be implemented.

Additionally, agents from the national health agency will oversee the depopulation of the facility and the final disposal of all birds involved, paying particular attention to the application of hygiene and disinfection measures. This finding does not affect production destined for the domestic market or the consumption of poultry products, as avian influenza is not transmitted to humans through the consumption of meat or eggs.

The National Service will officially notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of the development, detailing the actions implemented to date. It should be noted that following the first detection of the HPAI virus in Ranchos, Buenos Aires, Argentina lost its status as a disease-free country and temporarily suspended exports of poultry products to destinations with which it had sanitary agreements based on that status.
However, exports of poultry products were maintained with more than 35 countries and blocs that recognize the zoning/regionalization and/or compartmentalization criteria , tools that ensure the continuity of exports of these goods, even in the event of detection of the AIAP virus in production establishments.

In order for Argentina to declare itself free before the OMSA and restore its sanitary status, no new outbreaks must be registered in commercial establishments for at least 28 days from the completion of the sanitary slaughter, cleaning and disinfection of the last event registered in these farms.

Preventive measures

To mitigate the risk of virus spread, poultry establishments must reinforce all their management, hygiene and biosecurity measures, as outlined in Resolution No. 1699/2019 , which include: periodically inspecting the integrity of bird netting; verifying the proper washing and disinfection of vehicles and supplies; intensifying cleaning in areas where fecal matter from wild birds (transmitters of the virus) accumulates; and reducing or eliminating areas with stagnant water that may attract other birds.

For their part, backyard bird owners should keep them in protected spaces to avoid contact with wild specimens; use dedicated work clothes; regularly clean and disinfect the facilities; and restrict access of wild birds to water and food sources.

Upon observing bird mortality or neurological, digestive, and/or respiratory symptoms, all parties involved in poultry handling must immediately notify SENASA at the nearest office (by phone or in person); via WhatsApp at (11) 5700 5704 ; by email to notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar ; or through the "Notify SENASA" form available on the official website. For more information about the disease, visit the official avian influenza microsite .

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/cordoba-registro-su-primer-brote-de-influenza-aviar-en-aves-comerciales