Argentina confirmed its first case of avian influenza in poultry, the secretary of agriculture said on Tuesday, prompting it to suspend exports of poultry products and raising fears that the disease could spread and hurt the South American country's exports.

The case was detected in the southern province of Rio Negro, an area with low poultry density, Secretary Juan José Bahillo said on Twitter. "Our poultry products remain safe for Argentines. The suspension of exports meets the requirements of international regulations," he said, adding that the measure of the country's food safety agency aims to prevent further dissemination.

About 25 cases have been confirmed so far, mainly in wild birds. The first cases were recorded in mid-February and led the country to declare a health emergency. Poultry products generate exports to Argentina valued at just over US$ 350 million per year.

Source: Agrolink