Health surveillance on the border between Mato Grosso and Bolivia is being strengthened following the confirmation of four cases of high pathogenic avian influenza (IAAP – H5N1 virus) in the neighboring country this month. Winegrowers are receiving guidance and properties considered at risk visited by technicians from the Institute of Agricultural Defense of Mato Grosso (Indea-MT).

According to Indea-MT, so far there is no record of the disease in Mato Grosso and Brazil.

The agency reveals that this week visits were made in properties located in Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade and that a lecture circuit is planned in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), in Lucas do Rio Verde, Nova Mutum, Nova Marilândia and Tangará da Serra, municipalities with expressive commercial aviculture.

Also according to Indea-MT, internal meetings with regional and veterinary doctors of the municipalities to deal with the issue are also promoted.

Avian influenza is transmitted by viruses and is present in the countries of Asia, Europe, North America and, finally, South America.

Poultry producers should be aware of signs of avian influenza

According to the inspector of Agricultural Defense of Indea, Caroline Bourscheid, who acts in the focal point of poultry health in the agency, all prevention measures are being strengthened.

"The main form of displacement of the disease is by migrating wild birds that carry viruses for long distances. When in contact with poultry, these viruses can cause severe disease by decimaing backyard and commercial bottom bird plants. For Brazil and Mato Grosso to remain free of disease, surveillance visits and guidance actions have been strengthened", warns the fiscal.

Another key point highlighted by Caroline Bourscheid is immediate notification to defense bodies in cases of respiratory symptoms or unexpected high mortality of poultry and also free living.

"When the notification is made, Indea-MT will do the research to see if it really is avian influenza or another disease that has similar symptoms. Once the suspicion is based, samples will be taken for analysis. If so, all appropriate sanitary measures will be taken. The training of technicians and the awareness of producers is very important to identify suspicions, notify and take action as soon as possible", adds the server.

Source: Canal Rural