Avian flu almost controlled | Senasa advances with the reopening of markets

Title: Argentina Making Progress in Containing Avian Influenza Outbreaks and Reopening Markets

Introduction:
Argentina has made significant strides in combating avian influenza outbreaks, with 91 percent of registered cases now closed. The Vice President of the National Health Service and Food Quality (Senasa), Rodolfo Acerbi, expressed optimism that if the current epidemiological situation continues, all remaining outbreaks will be closed within 40 days. This positive development has paved the way for negotiations to reopen key markets, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

Decline in Avian Influenza Cases:
Recent data from the Senasa National Laboratory revealed that only one positive case of avian influenza was registered among the samples analyzed from June 10 to 16. This consistent trend has resulted in just six cases being detected in the past four weeks. Out of the 546 notifications analyzed to date, there have been a total of 100 disease detections (18.3 percent) throughout the country. However, with 91 closed outbreaks since the start of the health emergency 126 days ago, Argentina is currently experiencing a clear decline in positive cases.

Ongoing Surveillance and Caution:
While the situation is promising, Acerbi emphasized that continued surveillance is necessary to prevent any potential resurgence of the disease. He cautioned that the decline in cases does not imply eradication or the establishment of an endemic state. Avian influenza remains a daily challenge, requiring constant vigilance both internally and externally. Acerbi stressed that the absence of cases should not lead to complacency, as any lapse in precautions could result in a resurgence of the virus.

Reopening of Markets:
The successful containment of avian influenza outbreaks has allowed Argentina to focus on reopening international markets for poultry products. Senasa is currently engaged in advanced negotiations with key markets such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Talks with Saudi Arabia, in particular, are progressing well, thanks to the efforts of Ambassador Guillermo Nielsen. Negotiations with South Africa and Chile are also underway, although progress has been slower. Additionally, discussions with the European Union are being pursued.

China as a Key Market:
Argentina’s trade mission, led by Minister of Economy Sergio Massa and Secretary of Agriculture Juan José Bahillo, highlighted the importance of the Chinese market. Recent achievements include the modification of protocols to allow the regionalization of poultry exports from Argentina. This consensus is a significant step towards normalizing external sales, as China represents 55 percent of Argentina’s poultry exports. Furthermore, Argentina has received confirmation from Chinese authorities to advance protocols for the export of porcine and bovine offal, as well as the opening of corn, dried fruits, and sorghum.

Conclusion:
Argentina’s efforts in containing avian influenza outbreaks have yielded positive results, with a significant percentage of cases now closed. The country remains committed to maintaining surveillance and preventing any potential resurgence of the disease. The progress made in controlling the outbreak has also paved the way for negotiations to reopen key international markets, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. These developments are crucial for Argentina’s poultry industry and its goal of expanding its export opportunities.

pandemic

Nce of new outbreaks is a positive sign, but it is crucial to maintain strict biosecurity measures and ongoing monitoring to prevent any further spread of the virus.

Reopening Markets:

The progress made in containing avian influenza outbreaks has provided an opportunity for Argentina to reopen key markets for poultry products. China, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore are among the countries with which negotiations are underway to resume trade. These markets are crucial for Argentina’s poultry industry, and their reopening would contribute to the recovery of the sector.

China, in particular, is a significant market for Argentine poultry exports. The country has previously imposed restrictions on Argentine poultry imports due to avian influenza concerns. However, with the improved situation and the declining number of outbreaks, Argentina is hopeful that these restrictions will be lifted soon. Reestablishing trade with China would be a major achievement for the Argentine poultry industry, as China is the world’s largest consumer of poultry products.

Conclusion:

Argentina has made remarkable progress in containing avian influenza outbreaks, leading to the closure of 91 percent of registered cases. With the decline in positive cases and ongoing surveillance measures, there is optimism that all remaining outbreaks will be closed within the next 40 days. This positive development has paved the way for negotiations to reopen important markets, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Reestablishing trade with these countries would be a significant boost for Argentina’s poultry industry. However, it is important to note that continued vigilance and adherence to biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent any potential resurgence of avian influenza.