Ecuador Monitors and Protects Species of Birds on Galapagos Islands from Bird Flu Threat

According to recent reports, Ecuador monitors and protects unique species of Galapagos birds from a potential outbreak of bird flu in the region.

Recent reports said bird flu was detected in South America, Peru, Venezuela and Europe. To control the potential outbreak, Ecuador arranged permanent monitoring of the seabirds on the island.

(Photo : ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images)
Beach in Lima, Peru on December 1, 2022

The Galapagos Islands have been home to many unique birds. According to UNESCO World Heritage, the island is home to many marine species and is located in Ecuador. The place has been home to many marine ecosystems, including giant tortoises, iguanas and endemic trees.

In addition, Galapagos Island has been an important place for unique and rare species, including the blue-footed booby, albatross species and penguins. Immediate and urgent protection against the bird flu outbreak is important.

According to recent reports, the bird flu outbreak could have been due to migratory birds:

In Ecuador, over 180,000 birds were slaughtered. The country also announced a 90-day animal health emergency to mitigate and monitor bird flu.
Meanwhile, 37,000 chickens were killed in Peru to control the bird flu outbreak. The report added that about 14,000 seabirds were also slaughtered. The country also declared a 90-day health emergency to address the spread of bird flu.
The report said the country declared a 90-day health alert for the bird flu in Venezuela.

The report also added that bird flu could transfer the disease to domestic poultry. In Canada and United States, bird flu was also reported. Recently, Nebraska planned to slaughter over 1.8 million chickens in the region after bird flu was detected.

The United States recorded over 52.3 million birds in 46 states were killed due to the potential bird flu outbreak in the country.

Also Read: Over 1.8 Million Chickens in Nebraska Will Be Killed To Control Bird Flu Outbreak

Meanwhile, the news report said that Europe also detected bird flu.

Avian Flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official website, bird flu is also known as an avian flu infection. CDC explained that the disease or virus could spread among wild and migrant birds.

The Centers for Disease added that the Avian flu could infect domestic poultry farms and other species of birds. The impact of the infection on poultry or bird farms could be catastrophic because the virus could rapidly spread among birds.

The report explained that birds could infect with contaminated surfaces, saliva, nasal secretions and direct contact with infected birds. The contagious bird flu could infect wild aquatic birds, such as ducks, swans, geese, shorebirds and other birds.

Bird flu protection

With the recent outbreaks, farms have been protecting other birds as bird flu is contagious among birds.

Meanwhile, according to reports, bird flu has a low chance of infecting humans. However, humans can protect themselves and family against bird flu outbreaks.

If there is a bird flu outbreak in your country or near you, it is best to cool food in extreme or hot temperatures as it kills the virus. Avoid eating raw eggs or undercooked ducks.