H5N1 Avian Influenza Detected at a Farm in Yucatán Housing Over 225,000 Birds
The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) has confirmed an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza at a farm in Umán, Yucatán, housing 225,860 birds, and has ordered the implementation of sanitary measures to contain it.
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 14:53
Xóchitl Montero
An egg-producing farm with 225,860 hens has been placed under quarantine in the municipality of Umán, Yucatán, following the confirmation of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. Consequently, health authorities have ordered the culling of the bird population to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) reported the detection of the virus and the activation of international sanitary protocols, which include the surveillance of other farms located within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected facility.
The case was identified after the veterinarian in charge of the production unit reported the unusual death of 862 birds, a situation that prompted intervention by the National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality (Senasica).
Specialized personnel arrived at the facility to collect samples under strict biosecurity measures. Initial analyses, conducted at the Official Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory in Mérida, tested positive for a highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5 subtype.
Subsequently, the samples were sent to a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory in Palo Alto, Mexico City, for further testing to determine the specific characteristics of the virus.
Over 225,000 birds ordered to be culled to contain the outbreak
Following the confirmation of the case, Senasica specialists established a 10-kilometer sanitary surveillance zone around the farm. The measures implemented include a definitive quarantine of the facilities, the complete depopulation of the production unit, the sanitary disposal of the birds, and the destruction of contaminated materials.
Cleaning and disinfection procedures were also ordered to reduce the risk of the virus remaining on the premises.
Once the sanitary fallow period—a time during which the facility remains empty—has concluded, authorities will introduce "sentinel" birds to check whether the virus is still present before authorizing the resumption of production.
In the meantime, health technicians are conducting sampling at broiler, egg-laying, and breeding farms located within the established perimeter.
The results will help determine if other facilities have been affected and whether emergency vaccination should be implemented in nearby units.
Investigation into whether migratory birds brought the virus to Yucatán
As part of the investigation to identify the source of the outbreak, health authorities are inspecting bodies of water near the farm.
These areas attract wild migratory birds from the northern part of the continent during the winter season; investigators are therefore seeking to determine whether any of these species might be linked to the introduction of the virus.
Sader (the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development) reported that specialists in wildlife epidemiological surveillance will conduct field surveys and collect samples to identify potential cases of avian influenza among wild, free-roaming birds...
However, it has not yet been confirmed that migratory birds are the source of the infection.
Source:
https://municipiospuebla.mx/nota/na...-en-granja-de-yucatan-con-mas-de-225-mil-aves