The Brazilian National News Agency reported that after discovering two poultry (a pigeon and a duck) suspected of dying from avian flu at the Brasília Zoo, the Federal District government decided to take preventive measures and temporarily close the zoo. The institution stated that the Federal District's Agriculture, Supply and Rural Development Office (Seagri-DF) has collected samples from the two dead birds and sent them to the Federal Agricultural and Livestock Defense Laboratory (LFDA) of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture for avian flu virus analysis.
To date, 166 wild animal avian flu cases, 3 domestic animal cases, and 1 commercial animal case have been reported nationwide, totaling 170 cases.
The Federal District government noted: "It must be clarified that the two dead birds found were wild animals, not zoo-raised animals. They were attracted to the shelter, water, and food in the natural environment, choosing to inhabit the area around the zoo." The government emphasized: "The Brasília Zoo has long monitored the health status of all animals and implements a strict investigation protocol for all deceased animals."
According to government information, no other suspected avian flu cases have been found in wild, domestic, or commercial animals in the Federal District to date. "Once the laboratory analysis is complete and the results confirm no risk to public health, we will assess the zoo's reopening date."
On May 27, Brazilian Minister of Agriculture Carlos Fávaro, referring to a wild bird avian flu case in Mateus Leme, Minas Gerais state, stated that the virus has existed in Brazil's wild bird population for two years, and Brazil is precisely located on the migratory route between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, making such occurrences reasonable. "If migratory birds are infected with the virus, wild birds in Brazil may also become infected."
On May 16, Rio Grande do Sul state confirmed an avian flu case in a commercial farm, triggering a series of health control measures to prevent the virus from spreading to other regions. For health safety reasons, multiple countries and regions have decided to suspend imports of poultry meat and eggs from Brazil, with some decisions limited to suspending purchases from Rio Grande do Sul state's meat and egg products.