Panamá

During epidemiological surveillance activities, on January 4, 2023, a cormorant with difficulty flying was detected near the Vacamonte Port, in front of the Bay of Panama. On January 5, 2023, the Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Vesicular Diseases (LADIVES) detected the presence of IA H5 virus by rRT-PCR in samples obtained from this specimen. To date, no other affected birds or dead wild birds have been found in the area. https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4789

On December 14, 2022, a wild bird of the species Pelecanus occidentalis (Brown Pelican), found moribund in the high seas, 34 km off the coast of Panama City and 30 km from Taboga Island, was repoted. On December 15, 2022, the Vesicular Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADIVES) detected the presence of HPAI H5 virus by rRT-PCR and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL, USDA) confirmed the presence of HPAI H5N1 on December 20, 2022. Measures taken: surveillance and visits to the islands surrounding the case and in coastal areas of the country. The HPAI alert is maintained in the country. No other deaths in wild birds have been reported. https://wahis.woah.o…