A new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed by Argentinian authorities at a layer farm in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In response, strict sanitary measures have been implemented to contain the spread as poultry exports face temporary suspension.
Recently, Argentina’s National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) confirmed an outbreak of HPAI in poultry. The case was detected at a layer farm in Los Toldos, Buenos Aires province, following reported clinical signs of the disease.
Upon confirmation, immediate sanitary measures were implemented. Authorities established a 3km sanitary control zone with strict biosecurity and movement regulations, along with a 7km surveillance zone for ongoing monitoring and epidemiological checks. Key measures include the culling of infected birds, safe disposal, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected facilities.
Key Trade Markets Affected
Despite the outbreak occurring outside major poultry-producing regions, SENASA plans to notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and temporarily suspend exports of poultry products to nations requiring HPAI-free certification.
Countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Canada, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China are expected to impose restrictions. Notably, China, which accounts for 38% of Argentina’s poultry exports, had just reopened its market in March this year following a prior HPAI-related ban in 2023.
Regaining Disease-Free Status
Argentina remains proactive in trading with nations that acknowledge its zoning strategy, which allows unaffected areas to retain market access. Provided no further outbreaks occur in commercial farms within the next 28 days, Argentina may self-declare its freedom from the disease to WOAH and recover its sanitary status. This step is critical for the full resumption of its export markets.
According to the Agro-Industrial Foundation for the Development of Argentina (FADA), the poultry sector exported 12,400 tonnes worth $14.6 million in the first half of this year, and the total exports for 2024 reached approximately 195,000 tonnes.
The recent commercial outbreak follows just six days after SENASA confirmed an HPAI H5 case in backyard poultry in Arrecifes, also within Buenos Aires province. However, these backyard detections do not affect Argentina’s official disease-free status nor restrict international trade.
