On Mar. 14, 2023, the Agricultural and Livestock Service in Chile confirmed the identification of the first case of avian influenza in an industrial plant in Chile. The farm where the disease that mainly affects birds was detected belongs to the Agrosuper company located in the western sector of Rancagua.

Chile reported its first detection of H5N1 in wild birds in early December, and earlier this month it reported its first outbreaks in poultry. The country also reported H5N1 in sea lions and a marine otter.

Once the presence of the virus had been verified, SAG decided to activate the corresponding protocol, which consists of culling the affected birds and isolating the area.

A technical coordination group has also been created in order to evaluate and decide on the actions to follow. It is conformed of Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela, alongside representatives from SAG, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) and other ministries, in conjunction with the private sector.

These measures are intended to prevent the spread of the disease to other poultry farms. It is important to note that the consumption of white meat does not pose a risk to the population.