Laguna Garzón, Uruguay – Health officials in Uruguay are on alert following the confirmation of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a wild swan found near Laguna Garzón, a coastal lagoon straddling the departments of Rocha and Maldonado. The discovery has triggered immediate activation of national contingency plans to prevent the spread of the virus, though authorities emphasize that, at present, the outbreak is limited to wild bird populations and does not pose a risk to commercial poultry or human health.
The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) virus in a coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) on February 21, 2026, as reported by local news outlets. This marks the second confirmed case of HPAI in Uruguay’s history, with the first detection occurring two years prior. The finding occurred as part of ongoing surveillance efforts jointly conducted by the National Directorate of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of the Ministry of Environment and the General Directorate of Livestock Services of the MGAP. The situation is being closely monitored, and further investigations are underway to assess the extent of the outbreak and implement appropriate control measures.
Avian Influenza Outbreak: Initial Response and Monitoring
Following the confirmation of the case, MGAP immediately activated the protocols outlined in the National Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza. Technical teams from the Livestock Services and the National Directorate of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services have been dispatched to the Laguna Garzón area to evaluate the sanitary situation, determine if other bird deaths have occurred, and collect additional samples for analysis. Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Alfredo Fratti, personally visited the Rocha department to oversee the response efforts, underscoring the government’s commitment to containing the virus.
As of February 22, 2026, authorities have reported finding ten deceased wild birds in the vicinity of Laguna Garzón. Samples from these birds are currently being analyzed to determine the specific strain of the virus and its potential origin. MGAP officials have emphasized that, to date, no cases have been detected in commercial or backyard poultry flocks. Sixty-four premises in the Rocha department have been inspected, and inspections are continuing in Maldonado. This proactive approach aims to quickly identify and isolate any potential spread of the virus to domestic bird populations.
Public Health Considerations and Safety Measures
Although the current outbreak is confined to wild birds, authorities are taking precautionary measures to protect public health and prevent further transmission. Minister Fratti has stated that the consumption of poultry meat and eggs remains safe, as the virus has not been detected in commercial bird populations. He cautioned, however, that avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that requires swift action, noting that “the virus has no borders, neither of department nor of countries.”
As a mandatory preventative measure, MGAP has ordered that backyard poultry be kept in enclosed and covered facilities to minimize contact with wild birds. Producers are also being urged to reinforce biosecurity protocols, including enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices, and to report any suspected symptoms in their flocks immediately. Residents and tourists frequenting the Laguna Garzón area are advised not to handle sick or dead birds and to report any findings to the appropriate authorities.
Understanding Avian Influenza and its Global Impact
Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Different strains of avian influenza vary in their pathogenicity, meaning their ability to cause disease. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains, like the one detected in Uruguay, can cause severe illness and high mortality rates in birds. The virus is primarily spread through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, but can also be transmitted through airborne particles and contaminated feed or water.
Globally, avian influenza outbreaks have been increasingly frequent and widespread in recent years, impacting poultry industries and raising concerns about potential zoonotic transmission – the spread of disease from animals to humans. While human infections with avian influenza are rare, they can occur following close contact with infected birds. The World Health Organization (WHO) closely monitors avian influenza activity worldwide and provides guidance on prevention and control measures.
Monitoring and Future Outlook
The Uruguayan government is prioritizing ongoing monitoring and surveillance to track the spread of the virus and assess the effectiveness of control measures. The National Emergency System (Sinae) is expected to convene to evaluate the situation and define additional actions based on the information gathered by the technical teams. Continued vigilance and rapid response are crucial to minimizing the impact of the outbreak on Uruguay’s poultry industry and protecting public health.
The Laguna Garzón area is a significant ecological zone, known for its biodiversity and as a migratory route for various bird species. This makes it particularly vulnerable to the introduction and spread of avian influenza. The current outbreak highlights the importance of sustained surveillance programs in areas with high biodiversity and frequent bird migration patterns.
Authorities will continue to provide updates on the situation as it evolves. The MGAP website will serve as a central source of information for producers, residents, and the public. The ongoing response will focus on containing the outbreak within wild bird populations, preventing its spread to commercial poultry, and safeguarding public health.
The next scheduled update from the MGAP regarding the avian influenza situation is expected on February 26, 2026. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and concerns in the comments section below and to share this article with anyone who may be affected by this developing situation.