As of December 2022, Chile is particularly affected by bird flu, which has already killed 10% of the Humboldt penguin population and thousands of other birds.
At least 3,500 seabirds have been found dead off the coast of northern Chile since May 26, according to the country’s authorities investigating the mysterious phenomenon, although bird flu has been ruled out.
Hundreds of bodies of Guanay cormorants have been found on beaches in Quiquimbo, about 400 kilometers north of Santiago, by members of the Agriculture and Livestock Service, a few meters from hotels, restaurants and casinos in the area.
Most birds have been found between the Coquimbo sectors of the Casino Enjoy and Changa Beach. Bird flu, the first hypothesis for the cause of death, has been ruled out. Specialized organizations will now convene to investigate the case. pic.twitter.com/DBl03v3fBP
— Chile Today News (@ChileTodayNews) June 2, 2023
The results of the laboratory tests announced yesterday ruled out the possibility that it was bird flu, according to the director of the agency, Jorge Mauz. However, the causes of the mass death of the birds have not yet been clarified.
“Something is happening in the sea” that is killing these birds, which dive into the ocean to find food, he explained.
As of December 2022, Chile is particularly affected by bird flu, which has already killed 10% of the population of Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species, as well as thousands of other birds.
A 53-year-old man also became at the end of March the first person infected with the disease in the country and is still hospitalized.
Source :Skai
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