The Agriculture Ministry, through the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), has decided to temporarily ban the hunting of all wild bird species in order to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
The suspension of the wild bird hunting season comes into force today, following publication in the Official Gazette. It includes the species detailed in article 5 of the regulations of Law No. 19.473.
The measure, which comes into force today following publication in the Official Gazette, seeks to prevent people handling and moving positive birds that could spread the virus.
Normally, the hunting season begins throughout Chile in April, according to species and area, in line with the criteria established in the Hunting Law and its regulations.
Current situation of H5N1 avian influenza
H5N1 avian influenza arrived in Chile through migratory birds from the northern hemisphere. Countries were thus contaminated as the birds made their way towards the south of the continent.
The first case of bird flu was detected in Chile in December last year. It has now spread to 14 regions of the country, mainly through marine wildlife, and is causing serious damage to biodiversity.
According to SAG reports, 40 species are currently being affected by the virus throughout the country.
SAG has taken samples from more than 3,000 wild birds to date. Among the most affected are:
- Pelican
- Guanay cormorant
- Kelp gull
- Grey gull
- Peruvian booby
Effects of avian influenza on backyard birds
With regard to the impact on backyard birds, SAG has taken more than 29,000 samples. 69 of the results have come back positive, and all birds have been eradicated.
In the poultry industry, samples have been taken from 5,000 birds. Five industrial flocks have tested positive, the last in Valparaíso, which has already been controlled. There are now no positive cases in the industry in Chile to date.
SAG has repeated the call to the public not to touch or move sick or dead birds. Meanwhile, the owners of poultry are called on to implement extreme biosecurity measures in their facilities.
Some of the measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza in animals are:
- Confine the birds to prevent contact with other birds that could be affected.
- Protect bird feed and drinking water.