Bird Flu: USP Identifies First Cases in Ibirapuera Park

Two aquatic birds collected in Ibirapuera Park were infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, a type that causes high mortality, according to tests conducted by two specialized laboratories. Transmission to humans is rare, but it is important not to handle dying animals or approach dead birds, according to experts.

Two irerês (Dendrocygna viduata) and a socó (Butorides striata), aquatic birds that are not residents of the park, were found and collected by the São Paulo Department of Green and Environment, responsible for collecting biological samples, and sent to the Emerging Virus Research Laboratory of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of USP (LPVE/ICB-USP), where they were subjected to virus testing.

The results came out on June 30th: two of the birds tested positive for the virus, and the other remains under investigation. Official confirmation of the two positive results was provided by the Federal Laboratory of Agricultural Defense (LFDA) and released by the Agricultural Defense of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply.

Bird flu is not common in humans, but it can lead to serious cases when it occurs. There are no records of direct transmission to humans in Brazil. In a statement, the Agricultural Defense Agency reinforces that, because the outbreak involves wild birds, there are no restrictions on meat and egg exports from Brazil, nor are there any changes to the health status of the State of São Paulo or the country with the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO).

Authorities have stepped up health education efforts at Ibirapuera Park, advising visitors not to approach wild animals and to immediately notify the Agricultural Defense Department if they spot any dead or sick animals. The São Paulo City Hall and park management also announced that monitoring teams will conduct regular patrols to assess the wildlife situation and keep visitors informed.

"Our laboratory has been monitoring viruses in wild birds for many years in various regions of Brazil, and since this was a suspected case of avian influenza, as soon as we received the samples, we prioritized molecular testing," Professor Jansen de Araujo, coordinator of the LPVE, told Jornal da USP. "The initial real-time PCR results indicated that it was indeed the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus, so we immediately began confirmation through genetic sequencing," Araujo said.

Avian influenza is a zoonosis with a major economic impact and a public health risk, especially in the poultry sector. Although wild birds are natural hosts of the virus, the confirmation of its presence in one of Brazil's most visited parks raises the alarm for containment measures and awareness. "Studies are still ongoing to further analyze the genome. Preliminary partial sequencing data demonstrate a different lineage from the one found on the Brazilian coast to date," adds virologist Luciano Thomazelli, from the Department of Virology at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at USP.

Transmission

Transmission between birds occurs through direct contact with secretions or feces from infected animals, or through indirect means, such as contaminated water, food, or the environment itself. Transmission to humans is rare and only occurs through very close contact with a sick animal. Generally, the victims are breeders and caretakers of the animals. Researchers believe it is crucial that the public not panic, but cooperate by following the guidelines.

"Don't touch dying wild birds and keep your distance if you find dead animals," advises Araujo. It's also recommended to immediately notify the local administrator of the bird's location.