A case of avian influenza has been reported in swans at the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve in Buenos Aires. The National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality (Senasa) has recommended that visitors to parks and reserves in the city avoid direct contact with wild birds. Although transmission to humans is rare, caution is advised, and the disease is not transmitted through the consumption of poultry products.

This is not the first occurrence of the disease; the initial case emerged in 2023 but was subsequently controlled. However, the virus poses significant threats to poultry, as outbreaks in domestic birds often lead to a cessation of poultry exports. The recent case in wild birds adds to concerns, especially given that another incident was reported the previous weekend in wild birds from the Laguna La Salada Grande area in Buenos Aires Province.

The situation underscores the importance of monitoring avian flu outbreaks, particularly in urban settings where human-wildlife interactions are frequent. Public health officials are alerting citizens to take precautions during this period to minimize risks and prevent further spread of the virus. The implications for local agriculture and the broader poultry industry could be considerable, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by this disease.