The Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) confirmed the detection of the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2026 in Colombiaidentified in backyard birds in the department of Meta. The discovery was possible thanks to the epidemiological surveillance systems and the notification of the owner of the affected property.
The case was detected in a rural property in the municipality of Puerto Concordia, where respiratory and neurological symptoms were observed in birds raised for self-consumption.cited by Week. The samples were analyzed by the ICA National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of the virus.
Health authorities indicated that the outbreak was recorded in an area recently affected by floods and with the presence of migratory birds.considered one of the main risk factors for the introduction of the virus into new areas, according to that media outlet.
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After confirming the case, the ICA activated the control, quarantine and eradication protocols to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas of the country.
The measures were implemented in coordination with local and national authorities and include health restrictions, intensive epidemiological surveillance and actions aimed at containing the virus.
As explained by the entity, these procedures are part of the protocols established to face disease outbreaks that may affect animal production.
The ICA indicated that it maintains permanent epidemiological monitoring in different regions of the country, especially in those where livestock or poultry activities are carried out.
These tasks are carried out in coordination with producers, laboratories and international entities with the aim of detecting possible outbreaks of animal diseases early.
According to health authorities, this surveillance system allows events that could represent a risk to the poultry sector or animal health to be quickly identified.
In the midst of the outbreak alert, the ICA clarified that the event does not represent a risk to the supply of food derived from the poultry sector.
The entity explained that the virus was detected only in backyard birdsthat is, animals raised for family consumption and not on commercial production farms.
For this reason, the institute assured that the outbreak It does not affect national poultry production or compromise the supply of chicken meat or eggs in the country..
Nor does it represent a risk for the consumption of these products, according to the health authority.
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds and can spread quickly among them.
The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory secretions, feces, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
In some cases, certain subtypes can cause serious diseases in birds and have economic impacts on poultry production.
However, the authorities indicated that early detection and the immediate application of health measures are key to preventing the spread of the virus.
Colombia has maintained since 2011 the status of a self-declared country free of highly pathogenic avian influenza before the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA).
According to the ICA, the timely identification of this outbreak and the application of control protocols make it possible to preserve this international health status.
