In a significant development for Argentina's poultry industry, the national agricultural health authority detected a second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Lobos, Buenos Aires. This follows an initial outbreak confirmed earlier in Ranchos. As a response to these findings, the National Service of Health and Quality Agroalimentary (SENASA) has implemented contingency measures, which include restricting access to the affected poultry establishment and designating a Health Control Zone (ZCS) to monitor and contain the disease through enhanced biosecurity measures and movement restrictions.

The emergence of these new HPAI cases has critical implications for Argentina's status as a poultry exporter. With the initial outbreak, the country lost its classification as free from HPAI, leading to an immediate suspension of all poultry product exports to international markets that rely on this sanitary status. As a result, the Argentine poultry sector, which represents a substantial $200 million business, faces significant economic repercussions with the potential loss of key export markets and revenue. This situation exacerbates the already precarious balance between agricultural health and economic viability for farmers and producers in the region.

SENASA's ongoing response includes rigorous epidemiological monitoring and enforcement of biosecurity protocols to prevent further spread of the virus. The situation remains dynamic, with industry stakeholders closely following developments as they navigate the complexities of maintaining international trade amidst biosecurity challenges. The government will continue to negotiate with trading partners to mitigate the economic impacts stemming from these outbreaks and restore Argentina's status as a trusted supplier in the poultry market.