A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 has been confirmed in wild birds in General Juan Madariaga, Buenos Aires province, Argentina, the National Food Safety and Quality Service (Senasa) announced Saturday.
The virus was detected in samples taken from three species – the brown hooded gull, the coscoroba swan, and the black-necked swan – found in the Laguna La Salada Grande reserve, according to Senasa’s official laboratory in Martínez. The confirmation follows reports of bird deaths and symptoms consistent with the disease.
Despite the detection, Senasa stated that Argentina’s status as a country free of HPAI, self-declared in September 2025, is not currently affected, as the case involves wild birds. However, the agency is urging all commercial poultry producers to reinforce their sanitary management, hygiene, and biosecurity measures, as outlined in Resolution Senasa N.° 1699/2019, to mitigate the risk of the virus entering their facilities.
Senasa also issued recommendations for owners of backyard poultry, advising them to maintain birds in protected spaces to prevent contact with wild birds, employ dedicated work clothing, regularly disinfect facilities, and restrict access to water and food sources for wild birds.
The agency emphasized the importance of rapid notification of any suspected HPAI cases to Senasa, either through local offices, by phone, or via email (notificaciones@senasa.gob.ar). A WhatsApp line (11 / 5700 5704) and an online form on the Senasa website are also available for reporting.
Influenza Aviar type A is described by Senasa as a highly infectious disease caused by a virus from the Orthomyxoviridae family, primarily affecting domestic and wild birds. While it can occasionally infect other animals, including horses, pigs, and dogs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and swans are particularly susceptible.
Senasa classifies avian influenza into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes mild or no clinical signs, and HPAI, which can lead to severe clinical signs and high mortality rates – up to 90 or 100% of a flock. The detected case in General Madariaga is of the HPAI variety.
The agency highlighted the virus’s high mutability and contagiousness, as well as its widespread presence among wild aquatic birds. HPAI can spread rapidly, significantly impacting the poultry industry and potentially leading to the closure of export markets due to sanitary restrictions. Senasa also noted that avian influenza is a zoonotic disease of public health importance, although most confirmed human cases are mild and do not demonstrate human-to-human transmission.
Senasa identified illegal bird trade and the migration of infected wild bird species as potential transmission routes for the virus.
