First case of avian flu in an industrial plant: SAG suspends poultry meat exports

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) this Monday confirmed the identification of the first case of avian influenza in an industrial plant in Chile. 

The farm where the disease that mainly affects birds was detected belongs to the Agrosuper company. It is located in the western sector of Rancagua, in the O’Higgins Region. 

Once the presence of the virus had been verified, SAG decided to activate the corresponding protocol, which consists of culling the affected birds and isolating the area. 

A technical coordination group has also been created in order to evaluate and decide on the actions to follow. It is conformed of Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela, alongside representatives from SAG, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) and other ministries, in conjunction with the private sector. 

These measures are intended to prevent the spread of the disease to other poultry farms. 

It is important to note that the consumption of white meat does not pose a risk to the population. 

SAG suspends poultry meat exports 

After detecting the first case of avian flu in the private sector, SAG proceeded to inform the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and block the export of poultry meat. 

This means that SAG decided to suspend the certification of exports of Chilean poultry products to all trading partners. 

“With the implementation of SAG protocols, we managed to warn about the disease early, and action is therefore already being taken to contain (its spread). Hopefully, in less than 30 days, we can regain our status as a country free of avian influenza; a status that we have always had,” Juan Carlos Domínguez, president of Chile Carne. 

SAG has sampled more than 16,000 backyard birds, almost 4,000 industrial birds and nearly 3,000 wild birds, in order to detect the presence of the virus early and take the necessary measures to minimize its impact in the country. 

Biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of bird flu 

In this context, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) once again calls on poultry owners to take extreme biosecurity measures in their facilities. 

One of the main recommendations is to confine the birds in order to avoid contact with other animals of their species that could be infected with avian influenza. 

It is also recommended that people avoid contact with birds that are dead or show symptoms of the disease. 

If you suspect symptoms of avian flu, it is important to contact SAG immediately through the following channels: 

• SAG office closest to your place of residence 
• Telephone 22 3451100, Monday to Sunday, between 8:00 and 21:00 
• WhatsApp +569 6908 9780, Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day 
• Email: oficina.informaciones@sag.gob.cl