Chilean authorities at the Agricultural and Livestock Authority (SAG) announced the discovery of an outbreak in Quilpué, in the region of Valparaiso, on 4 January.

In a joint effort between the SAG and the Ministry of Health, existing protocols were immediately activated to eliminate the outbreak and eradicate this disease from Chile, which could affect both wild and domestic birds. The flock of turkeys, reported to number 350,000, on the affected farm was destroyed and the area isolated to prevent disease spread.

However, Chile's own testing and testing at the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) laboratories confirmed the virus was of low pathogenicity. These viruses cause less severe symptoms in birds.

Chilean authorities said the results meant that the country's animal health standards are still high, and a normal flow of trade should soon resume with other countries, following normal global procedures.

Further Reading

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