Argentina Suspends Poultry Exports Due to Confirmed First Industrial Case of Avian Flu

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentina has confirmed its first case of avian influenza in the poultry industry, its agriculture secretary said Tuesday, leading to the suspension of poultry exports and raising fears that the disease could spread and hurt exports from the South American nation.

The case was discovered in the southern province of Río Negro, an area with a low density of poultry, Secretary Juan José Bajillo said on Twitter.

“Our poultry products are still safe for Argentines. The suspension of exports is in line with international regulations,” he said, adding that the measure by the country’s food safety agency is aimed at preventing further spread.

About 25 cases have been confirmed to date, mostly in wild birds. The first cases were reported in mid-February and forced the country to declare a public health emergency.

Poultry products provide Argentina’s exports worth just over $350 million a year.

(Accounting by Walter Bianchi; script by Caroline Pulis; editing by Tom Hoag)

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