Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) detected avian flu in a feral goose at Viña del Mar's Botanical Garden, prompting a two-week closure of the lagoon area. Park director Alejandro Peirano announced the measure on Friday via social media to prevent virus spread.
Viña del Mar's Botanical Garden blocked access to its lagoon after SAG confirmed avian flu in one of the site's birds. "We have detected that some birds in the garden, specifically the one tested, is infected with avian flu. I don't know the strain, but that means we have decided to block entry to the lagoon for at least two weeks," Peirano explained.
Park officials await health authorities' guidance on whether staff who regularly handle the birds require additional risk assessments to rule out human contagion.
Valparaíso's presidential delegate, Manuel Millones, praised swift coordination with the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) and the regional Health Seremi. "We have taken all controls, including isolating the lagoon where the geese were to avoid public exposure. SAG must decide if any species need to be culled; I hope that doesn't happen," Millones stated.
