Suspected avian influenza cases reported in Cabo Rojo and Lajas
Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture has imposed a 120-day preventive quarantine on one property after multiple bird deaths while awaiting lab confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The short version
- Primera Hora reported that multiple bird deaths were recorded in Cabo Rojo and Lajas prompting investigations for highly pathogenic avian influenza
- El Vocero reports approximately 20 ducks died out of 35 in Cabo Rojo and about 30 guinea hens among other species in Lajas
- Department of Agriculture established a 120-day quarantine on the Cabo Rojo property on Oct 7 and is coordinating with USDA-APHIS and the Department of Health
- Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres called for calm and urged residents to report unusual multiple bird deaths while awaiting confirmatory test results
Investigations launched after bird deaths
The Department of Agriculture reported on Friday multiple bird deaths in the municipalities of Cabo Rojo and Lajas that may be linked to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Primera Hora reported a preventive quarantine was established on one property and surveillance strengthened in coordination with the USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services and the Department of Health. Confirmatory test results are still pending.
According to both outlets, a veterinary visit on Oct. 7 documented the Cabo Rojo case involving roughly 20 dead ducks from a flock of 35. A 120-day quarantine was placed on that property along with proper disposal of carcasses and follow-up visits. El Vocero reported a separate investigation in Lajas involves various bird species including about 30 guinea hens. Results will determine further sanitary measures.
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Nuestro llamado es a mantener la calma, estar atentos y colaborar con las autoridades reportando cualquier situación inusual relacionada con la muerte de múltiples aves
Our translation: Our call is to remain calm, be attentive and collaborate with authorities by reporting any unusual situation related to the death of multiple birds
The source's own statement, as quoted by Department of Agriculture. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Officials stress prevention and coordination
Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres stated that state and federal authorities maintain a coordinated response to protect bird health and Puerto Rico's poultry activity. Both Primera Hora and El Vocero quoted him saying authorities are working with USDA-APHIS and Department of Health specialists. He noted the presence of dead birds does not necessarily confirm avian influenza and results must be awaited before conclusions.
The Department of Agriculture considers the risk of transmission to the general population low but highlighted precautions for those working with birds. Citizens are asked to report unusual multiple bird deaths, avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, and reinforce biosecurity. The USDA-APHIS reporting line is 1-866-536-7593.
Where the sources differ
Both Primera Hora and El Vocero agree on the two locations, the approximate numbers of dead birds, the Oct. 7 veterinary visit in Cabo Rojo, the 120-day quarantine, pending lab results, coordination with USDA-APHIS and the Department of Health, and statements from Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres. Primera Hora provides more background on a prior 2025 Culebra case and quotes from the Pan American Health Organization on symptoms; El Vocero includes additional recommendations on biosecurity and the exact USDA-APHIS phone number for reporting.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state whether any human health symptoms have been observed, the exact number of birds affected in Lajas beyond the 30 guinea hens mentioned, the precise date the Lajas case was first reported, when laboratory results are expected, or what specific next steps will follow a positive confirmation. They also do not disclose the species involved in Lajas beyond guinea hens or any economic impact estimates on local poultry operations.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Reportan casos sospechosos de influenza aviar en Cabo Rojo y Lajas
- Reporting Reportan casos sospechosos de influenza aviar en Cabo Rojo y Lajas
- Reporting Mueren decenas de aves en Cabo Rojo y Lajas: investigan posible influenza aviar
How we checked this
Primera Hora and El Vocero both covered the Department of Agriculture's announcement on Oct. 9. All details on bird counts, quarantine length, coordination partners and the secretary's statements rest on the agency's own information released through these two outlets.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.