The Argentine government reported that the country already has 20 confirmed cases of high pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in wild and domestic birds, of which nine in Córdoba, four in Buenos Aires, two in Santa Fe and one in Jujuy, Neuquén, Río Negro, San Luis and Salta.

Argentina's National Health and Food Quality Service (Senasa) said it was also strengthening security measures in areas where the virus was not detected, as well as on the borders with Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Last Friday, Senasa denounced to representatives of the Japanese embassy the temporary closure of imports of poultry products from Argentina because of cases of avian influenza in the country.

"We formally ask Japan to lift the restriction on the entry of poultry products and by-products from Argentina, since the decision of the Japanese authorities does not align with world animal health organization (OMSA) standards," said Senasa Vice President Rodolfo Acerbi.

According to a statement posted on the agency's website, representatives of the Argentine government told embassy members that the ban is premature, since according to international health and trade standards, the country maintains its condition free of avian influenza because the cases of the disease recorded so far have occurred in wild and backyard birds.

Also according to the statement, there are no cases registered in the commercial chain, which is intended for consumption. Japan has 76 confirmed avian influenza notifications.

Source: Canal Rural