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27 people under surveillance after cases of avian flu were detected in Lajas and Cabo Rojo
Health Secretary Victor Ramos emphasized, however, that the probability of person-to-person transmission is very low.
October 13, 2026 - 2:14 PM
By Gloria Ruiz Kuilan
Investigative journalist
Following the detection of avian flu cases in Lajas and Cabo Rojo , Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodriguez Torres indicated this Tuesday that they are focusing on establishing precautionary measures to prevent further infections that threaten the poultry industry, while the Department of Health is monitoring approximately 27 people who were on the two affected private farms.
“The concern is total,” the Secretary of Agriculture stated at the bi-weekly press conference “On Record,” at the Red Palace of La Fortaleza.
“ For us in the agricultural sector, it’s very worrying because if one of these birds were to arrive at a ranch, or if there were a large number of them, we would have to eliminate them all. That’s a concern for us, specifically in the poultry sector. So, preventing potential economic losses is a priority. We have direct communication with the largest producers and the biggest private companies,” Rodríguez Torres added.
The Department of Agriculture confirmed the deaths of 20 Creole ducks, 30 guinea fowl, and other bird species in Cabo Rojo and Lajas due to a diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after conducting the necessary tests. The secretary confirmed that these are not commercial locations, but rather private farms.
“We must be careful with wild animals that may reach these facilities. This is an issue that concerns each individual, and we must reinforce sanitary practices ,” he stressed.
He mentioned that, at the moment, it is suspected that the avian flu may have been transmitted by “migratory birds.” “We know that ducks, specifically, migrate practically all over the planet, and since that was the species we found there, well, that is our first focus,” the secretary commented.
He urged citizens and poultry farmers to report any abnormalities they observe – such as high mortality rates or birds with general weakness – to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the federal Department of Agriculture (USDA) at 1-866-536-7593 or to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture at 787-721-2120.
“It is of utmost importance for us to protect the poultry sector in Puerto Rico, both eggs and meat, so that we can avoid economic losses and, above all, maintain the stability of the sector ,” said Rodríguez Torres.
27 people exposed are being monitored
For his part, the Secretary of Health, Víctor Ramos Otero , confirmed that they are keeping 27 people under surveillance who were on the two affected private farms in the south, and assured that they are prepared to handle this emergency.
Avian flu can be transmitted to people through direct contact with infected animals, their secretions (feces, saliva or mucus) or contaminated surfaces, but the Health Minister stressed that this contagion “is very low” .
“We have established epidemiological surveillance of all contacts at the two locations where the incidents occurred,” he stated. “So far, no one has developed symptoms.”
“The reality is that the treatment is no different from the treatment of any other influenza, so we treat thousands of cases of influenza a year; what is different is the source and what type of influenza it is, but the treatment is the same ,” Ramos Otero added.
Regarding the symptoms, he said that "they are the same as any type of influenza," and include fever, difficulty breathing, body aches, muscle pain, and even vomiting and diarrhea.
“That’s why I say that even if they have symptoms and have been in contact with someone, what they probably have is human influenza and not avian influenza . But we have the means to take a sample if it becomes necessary to test someone,” he stated.
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El secretario de Salud, Víctor Ramos, enfatizó, sin embargo, que la probabilidad de contagios entre personas es bien baja
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Agriculture Dept. takes action following bird flu cases in Lajas, Cabo Rojo
Writer: The San Juan Daily Star
The San Juan Daily Star
9 hours ago
Implements 120-day quarantines,
other measures
By THE STAR STAFF
Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres announced on Tuesday the implementation of 120-day quarantines, along with biosecurity, epidemiological surveillance and sanitary control measures, after several birds in the municipalities of Cabo Rojo and Lajas tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu.
“From the very beginning, we have acted proactively and in coordination with federal authorities. Now that we have laboratory results confirming the presence of the virus, we are reinforcing surveillance, biosecurity, and control measures to prevent its spread,” the secretary stated in a written release. “Our priority is to protect the health of our birds, support our producers, and safeguard the stability of Puerto Rico’s poultry industry.”
Investigations began following reports of multiple bird deaths at two properties in Cabo Rojo and Lajas. At the first location, the deaths of some 20 Muscovy ducks were documented, while the second location reported mortality among various species, including about 30 guinea fowl.
The measures include controls on the entry and exit of authorized personnel; disinfection of footwear, equipment, vehicles and materials; and periodic visits to assess sanitary conditions, monitor mortality rates and determine if further action is required.
The handling and disposal of dead birds will be carried out in accordance with the instructions of competent authorities. Likewise, any further decisions regarding surviving birds will be subject to epidemiological assessments and veterinary recommendations.
The agriculture secretary emphasized that a key priority is preventing the virus from reaching commercial poultry facilities or backyard flocks, as an outbreak could result in economic losses for producers, increased operational costs and potential additional restrictions on the movement of birds.
“We are in direct communication with regional producers and poultry industry representatives to reinforce prevention measures,” Rodríguez Torres stated. “We recognize the importance of this sector to our agricultural output, so we will remain vigilant for any signs that could pose a risk to our farms. Early detection and adherence to sanitary protocols are crucial to protecting our farmers.”
As part of prevention efforts, special attention will also be paid to interactions between wild birds and domestic or commercial poultry. Although the potential role of migratory birds is being assessed, authorities clarified that the specific origin of the cases has not yet been established; therefore, epidemiological investigations will continue.
While the risk of avian influenza infection for the general public is considered low, authorities noted that individuals who have direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments may face a higher risk.
For this reason, the public is urged to avoid touching, collecting, or moving sick or dead birds, and to refrain from handling them without proper guidance and protective measures.
Farmers, poultry producers, backyard flock owners, and the general public are asked to immediately report any instances of unusual mortality among domestic or wild birds.
Preventive recommendations include keeping domestic birds separate from wild birds, enhancing the cleaning and disinfection of facilities, limiting access to rearing areas by unauthorized persons, and promptly reporting any signs of illness or sudden increases in mortality.
Sick birds or multiple deaths can be reported by contacting USDA-APHIS at 1-866-536-7593. Guidance is available from the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture at 787-721-2120.
