Argentina reports HPAI outbreak in Buenos Aires
UK suspends some poultry imports following confirmation
27 February 2026
1 minute read
By: Argentina reported an outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry in Buenos Aires province, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The immediate notification, published Feb. 23 through WOAH’s World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), The virus was detected on a heavy breeding poultry farm in the province of Buenos Aires, where increased mortality and clinical signs consistent with HPAI were observed.
Laboratory testing confirmed high pathogenicity avian influenza subtype H5. The outbreak is ongoing.
According to the report, 30,000 domestic birds were susceptible. A total of 694 cases and 694 deaths were recorded.
In response, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that in the absence of a regionalisation agreement, the whole territory of Argentina is no longer considered free from HPAI.
The UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance amended its third country listings on Feb. 25, 2026 to suspend imports of fresh poultry meat from Argentina produced on or after Feb. 23, 2026, as well as certain poultry meat products not subject to specified heat treatment requirements, while imports of eggs and egg products remain unaffected.
