Brazil confirms first ever avian flu cases in wild birds

Brazil, the world's top chicken exporter, has for the first time confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases but only in wild birds, the Agriculture Ministry said on Monday. The avian influenza virus can kill entire flocks of birds and cause losses for the farming sector. Epidemiological surveillance services will be intensified to detect potential cases in wild and commercial animals in the area close to where the cases were confirmed, a government source said. Brazil, the world's top chicken exporter, has for the first time confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases but only in wild birds, the Agriculture Ministry said on Monday. The avian influenza virus can kill entire flocks of birds and cause losses for the farming sector.