Two cases of avian influenza detected at Chiapas Zoo; sanitary measures reinforced

Two cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in wild birds at the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo (ZooMat) in Chiapas, Mexico, prompting health authorities to reinforce sanitary measures.

Carlos Alberto Guichard Romero, the operational director of ZooMat, announced that the first positive case was an "ill-looking" bird that was isolated for testing. A second bird subsequently tested positive for the virus.

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Until now, the authorities (health) have identified that the outbreak corresponds to an H7 type virus.

Authorities have identified the outbreak as the H7 subtype, although further studies are ongoing at the Institute of Diagnostic and Epidemiological Reference (INDRE) in Mexico City to determine its specific characteristics. Previously, sick birds, identified as chachalacas, were treated for what were then determined to be bacterial infections, and those with respiratory issues have since recovered.

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The birds received treatment, but those with “recently detected respiratory problems, managed to recover”.

The National Service of Health, Safety, and Agro-food Quality (Senasica) has instructed ZooMat to enhance biosecurity protocols. Personnel in direct contact with birds are now working under strict safety measures and using specialized protective equipment. No zoo workers have shown flu symptoms to date.

While permanent surveillance is in place, involving Senasica and the Ministry of Health, the zoo will remain open to visitors. Officials expect to declare the area officially controlled if no new cases emerge within 15 days.

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Under strict safety measures and with specialized protective equipment.