The Ministry of the Environment activated biosafety protocols to reduce the risk of dispersion of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the Galapagos Islands.
Health personnel take samples from Galapagos birds, September 2023.
The Galapagos National Park Directorate confirmed this Tuesday, September 19, 2023, that the presence of influenza or avian flu was detected “preliminary” in some birds that died days ago on the islands.
Of the five specimens examined, three tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. However, the collected material will be sent to the National Public Health Research Institute (INSPI) in Guayaquil, for confirmation, the National Park detailed.
For this reason, the Ministry of the Environment activated biosafety protocols to reduce the risk of dispersion of the virus.
The closure of the visiting sites where affected birds have been detected was ordered: Genovesa and Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal). Also preventively in Punta Suárez and Punta Cevallos (Espanola Island).
In addition, tour operators were informed to take measures, such as:
- Strengthen the disinfection process of footwear and clothing when going up and down to other land visit sites
- Continuously disinfect outdoor common areas and tenders used for disembarking passengers.
The environmental authority also ordered that a specialized team collect the dead birds and proceed with the corresponding final disposal to prevent the virus from spreading.
“This State portfolio deeply regrets the arrival of this virus to Galapagos. We have mobilized all our resources and experts to implement measures that reduce their impact on this unique ecosystem,” said the Minister of the Environment, José Antonio Dávalos.
The minister also called on the population: “If you find sick or dead birds, do not touch them or pick them up.”
