Chile's National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) has declared a preventive early alert in the Araucanía Region after detecting highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in backyard birds in Reinaco commune. The measure addresses a zoosanitary risk reported by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), amid a national emergency. The virus has now reached five regions.
On Thursday afternoon, Senapred declared a preventive early alert for the Araucanía Region following the detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in backyard domestic birds in Reinaco commune, as reported by the SAG. This poses a zoosanitary risk to the rest of the region, prompting activation of the SAG's National Emergency Service. The alert, effective from Friday until conditions allow lifting it, aims to strengthen surveillance: “La declaración de esta alerta se constituye como un estado de reforzamiento de la vigilancia, mediante el monitoreo preciso y riguroso de las condiciones de riesgo y las respectivas vulnerabilidades asociadas a la amenaza,” the agency stated.The SAG noted detections in five regions: Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, Araucanía (domestic birds), and Maule (wild birds). Chile remains free of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry. The first case was in wild birds at Valparaíso's El Yali wetland, affecting coscoroba swans, and backyard birds in Nogales. Additional outbreaks occurred in San Clemente (Maule), Melipilla (Metropolitana), Pumanque, and Las Cabras (O’Higgins).The SAG is ramping up monitoring in water bodies, backyards, and production farms, as migratory birds—key virus carriers—return north, heightening spread risks. It advises keeping birds in protected areas, preventing wild bird contact, and avoiding shared food or water. Watch for symptoms like incoordination, ruffled feathers, bluish discoloration on combs, wattles or feet, lethargy, and unusual mortality. Report immediately to SAG without handling, as the virus can infect mammals, including humans.
