Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) detected a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza case in backyard birds in Bollenar sector, Melipilla commune, Metropolitan Region. The virus was lab-confirmed after reports of domestic bird deaths. The country retains its sanitary status free of the disease in commercial flocks.
Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) reported a new highly pathogenic avian influenza (IAAP) H5N1 case in backyard birds at a secondary yard in Bollenar sector, Melipilla commune, Metropolitan Region. The detection followed reports of domestic bird deaths and was lab-confirmed, as per the March 18, 2026 publication date. No virus presence was found in mass-consumption birds from commercial flocks, maintaining Chile's status as IAAP-free in those operations, the SAG emphasized. This incident follows earlier detections: March 4 in coscoroba swans at El Yali wetland, Valparaíso Region; wild birds in San Clemente, Maule; a backyard focus in Nogales, Valparaíso; and two in O’Higgins, Pumanque and Las Cabras communes. In response, “the SAG has activated protocols set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA) to control the disease and prevent its spread to other national areas,” the service stated. Surveillance is intensified in water bodies, backyards, and biosecurity measures in production plants, particularly with northward-migrating birds returning. Involved agencies include Senapred, Health Ministry, National Fisheries Service, Conaf, and other public services.
