Uruguay declares nationwide health emergency over H5 avian influenza

H5 avian influenza Uruguay health emergency poultry restrictions MGAP Colonia department

Uruguay has declared a nationwide health emergency following the confirmation of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in backyard birds. The detection occurred in the rural area of Barker, within the Colonia department, after initial rapid tests returned negative and official laboratory analysis confirmed the virus.

In response, the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) has implemented several strict measures to contain the spread. These include a nationwide prohibition on the movement of backyard poultry and birds not registered under the national Poultry Monitoring System. Additionally, backyard and Free Range production birds must now be kept in closed, roofed facilities.

All poultry-related fairs, auctions, and exhibitions have been suspended across the country. This includes the Expo Prado, Uruguay’s major agro-industrial and livestock fair, which will proceed without any birds.

Authorities have clarified that no cases have been detected in commercial poultry operations. Furthermore, the consumption of poultry meat and eggs poses no risk to human health. This marks the second health emergency declared in Uruguay in 2026, following a February outbreak involving wild fauna.

Entities

Barker · Colonia · Expo Prado · Marcelo Rodriguez · Ministry of Environment · Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries · Ministry of Public Health · Uruguay

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] The MGAP declared a nationwide health emergency following the confirmation of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza. semanariolaprensa.com · worldstockmarket.net · ladiaria.com.uy · hch.tv · www.elcomercio.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Expo Prado agro-industrial fair will proceed without any birds due to the emergency restrictions. hch.tv · worldstockmarket.net · www.elcomercio.com
[● 3 SOURCES] H5 avian influenza was confirmed in backyard birds in the rural area of Barker, Colonia department. semanariolaprensa.com · todoelcampo.com.uy · ladiaria.com.uy
[● 4 SOURCES] The movement of backyard birds and birds not under the national Poultry Monitoring System is prohibited nationwide. hch.tv · semanariolaprensa.com · worldstockmarket.net · www.elcomercio.com
[● 4 SOURCES] All poultry-related fairs, auctions, and exhibitions have been suspended nationwide. hch.tv · worldstockmarket.net · semanariolaprensa.com · www.elcomercio.com
[● 3 SOURCES] This is Uruguay's second health emergency declared in 2026, following a February outbreak in wild fauna. hch.tv · worldstockmarket.net · www.elcomercio.com
[● 3 SOURCES] No cases have been detected in commercial poultry, and poultry meat and egg consumption pose no risk to human health. semanariolaprensa.com · todoelcampo.com.uy · ladiaria.com.uy
[● 4 SOURCES] Backyard birds and Free Range production birds must be kept in closed, roofed facilities. hch.tv · semanariolaprensa.com · worldstockmarket.net · www.elcomercio.com