Massive outbreak of avian influenza claims lives of numerous flamingos in Argentina

Officials in north-western Argentina have confirmed that an outbreak of bird flu has resulted in the deaths of 220 flamingos. The affected birds belong to the James's flamingo species, which typically reside at high altitudes in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. The avian flu virus strain H5N1, currently spreading throughout South America, is capable of infecting entire flocks within a matter of days. Additionally, it can be transmitted to humans and other mammals through bird droppings and saliva. This is not the first incident of bird flu-related deaths in the region, as in August, over 50 sea lions perished from the virus on Argentina's Atlantic coast. Furthermore, earlier this year, Chile and Peru experienced thousands of sea lion deaths due to bird flu. Laboratory tests on the dead flamingos in Catamarca province confirmed the presence of avian flu. Although the area is home to two other flamingo species, only James's flamingos have demonstrated signs of infection. Local authorities have implemented measures to prevent the virus from spreading and have cautioned residents against touching any deceased animals. The James's flamingo, also known as puna flamingo, is considered "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).