Uruguay - Avian influenza in wild birds 2026

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MGAP confirms new case of Avian Influenza in wildlife and rules out impact on commercial birds

28/02/2026

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, through the General Directorate of Livestock Services (DGSG), reports the confirmation of a new case of Avian Influenza in wildlife, within the framework of the current health emergency.

The official DILAVE “Miguel C. Rubino” Laboratory confirmed on February 27 the detection of the virus in an adult coscoroba swan ( Coscoroba coscoroba ) found dead in the department of Canelones. Samples analyzed using RT-qPCR tested positive for Avian Influenza and for the IA H5 Gs/Gd lineage clade 2.3.4.4b.

Research on commercial birds: negative result

Meanwhile, the official service acted on suspicion of the death of commercial birds on a property in the department of Canelones on February 25.

According to the official statement of February 27, rapid samples were taken during the inspection which tested negative for Avian Influenza, and were subsequently sent to DILAVE for definitive diagnosis.

On February 26, late in the day, the results for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease were confirmed as negative, ruling these diseases out as the cause of the mortality event. The epidemiological investigation continues to determine the origin of the outbreak observed at that facility.

Enhanced surveillance

Health authorities are maintaining active epidemiological surveillance, monitoring and control measures, especially in areas with the presence of wild birds.

The DGSG reminds everyone of the importance of immediately reporting the detection of dead wild birds or birds with nervous, respiratory or lethargic signs, as well as any suspicion in poultry establishments, through official channels.

Uruguay continues to strengthen its health surveillance system with the aim of protecting national poultry production and preserving the country's health status.

​https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganad...nza-aviar-fauna-silvestre-descarta-afectacion

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SWANS ARE THE MOST AFFECTED

Avian flu detected in Lavalleja, bringing the number of outbreaks to seven; MGAP believes water shortages may be linked to infections

"We've had many suspicions about backyards and wild birds that haven't been confirmed. Surveillance is much more focused on the outbreaks that appear," the MGAP veterinarian stated.

March 6, 2026, 10:54 AM

The number of avian flu outbreaks in the country has risen to seven , reported Virginia Russi, a veterinarian at the Ministry of Livestock ( MGAP ).

The first place where an animal infected with avian flu was detected was Laguna Garzón, then in Solís Grande, on the Interbalnearia route, in Estanzuela de Colonia, on Chihuahua beach, in Solís Chico, on route 81 near Canelón Grande and the seventh is in Lavalleja , to the north.

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) is working in coordination with the Departmental Emergency Operations Centers (CECOED). When outbreaks are detected, monitoring is carried out in the potentially affected areas. Russi assured that "all the tracking that has been done, and there have been many, by the Ministry of Livestock, has not found any other affected birds."

Currently, the hypotheses being considered are that the increase in outbreaks may be due to "a high viral load" and "the distribution of the affected species, the coscoroba swan, which is different from what we saw in 2023, which was primarily black-necked swans." This is under evaluation.

They also believe that the water shortage may be linked to the presence of avian flu. "The same conditions as in 2023, with water shortages, are occurring, and we think that this concentrates the birds in small spaces and encourages coexistence between species. So it probably has a lot to do with it, more due to spatial factors and the concentration of food and water in certain areas, where migratory birds carrying the virus could find themselves in close proximity to the most susceptible resident birds, which in this case are swans."

It was ruled out that the death of 500 birds in a poultry house in Canelones was due to avian influenza. "It was likely caused by the heat," the veterinarian stated.

"We've had many suspicions about backyards and wild birds that haven't been confirmed. Surveillance is much more focused on the outbreaks that appear," he said.

https://www.subrayado.com.uy/detect...rico-puede-estar-vinculado-contagios-n1001655