Environmental tragedy in Chile: black-necked swans affected by avian flu and health alert in La Araucanía – Noticias Ambientales

19 April, 2026

More than 60 black-necked swans were found dead in Lake Budi, Saavedra commune, La Araucanía Region in Chile, after a preventive patrol. The specimens showed symptoms compatible with the H5N1 virus, confirmed by the central laboratory of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) in Santiago.

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The situation led to the declaration of a regional health alert, within the framework of the national zoosanitary emergency already in effect due to the spread of avian flu in different areas of the country.

Spread of the virus

According to Rolando Sepúlveda, regional head of livestock protection at SAG, the disease is mainly transmitted by migratory birds from the northern hemisphere and can also affect domestic birds. Therefore, producers and rural communities were urged to implement biosecurity measures and report any suspected contagion.

The virus had already been detected in other locations:

• Renaico (550 km south of Santiago).
• Galvarino (680 km south).
• San Clemente (Maule).
• Nogales (Valparaíso).
• Pumanque and Las Cabras (O’Higgins).
• Melipilla (Metropolitan Region).

The spread confirms that the outbreak is moving from north to south, affecting both wild and domestic birds.

Risk to humans

Avian flu can be transmitted to humans, although cases are exceptional and require close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. The consumption of cooked meat and eggs remains safe, as the disease is not transmitted through food.

SAG reinforced the call to not handle dead or sick birds and to immediately report any suspicious findings.

The black-necked swan

The black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) is the largest aquatic species in Chile and a symbol of the southern wetlands.

• Appearance: black neck and head, white body, and red caruncle over the gray beak.
• Size: males up to 6.5 kg and females 4.5 kg, with a length of up to 122 cm.
• Diet: herbivorous, consumes aquatic plants and algae.
• Reproduction: monogamous, nests between October and November, and carries its young on its back.
• Distribution: from Huasco to Tierra del Fuego, with a significant presence in the fjords of Magallanes.
• Conservation status: faces threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting.

Currently, it is estimated that more than 170 specimens have died in Lake Budi due to the avian flu outbreak, constituting a serious emergency for local biodiversity.

Ecological importance

The black-necked swan plays a key role in wetland ecosystems, contributing to the ecological balance and dynamics of plant and animal communities. Its nesting and parental care behavior is essential for the reproduction and survival of the species.

The environmental tragedy in Lake Budi reflects the vulnerability of wild species to global diseases such as avian flu. The health alert aims to protect both biodiversity and public health, reminding us that the conservation of wetlands and their emblematic species is essential for Chile’s ecological resilience.

Over 20,000 wildlife accidents occur year after year on Swiss roads and railways. Hobby hunting causes wildlife to be pushed into unfamiliar areas. More about wildlife in Switzerland.

Editorial team Wild beim Wild — 8 May 2017

20,000 wildlife accidents per year

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Over 20’000 wildlife accidents occur year after year on Swiss roads and railways.

The increasingly fragmented landscape is life-threatening for red deer, badgers and other species. Pro Natura has therefore launched a campaign under the motto “Clear the Way for Wildlife!” in support of undisturbed movement corridors for wild animals.

Wildlife must migrate to survive. Along their traditional migration routes, they move between resting places, feeding grounds, and retreats, between summer and winter habitats, or to their breeding grounds. These connecting corridors between their habitats are vital to ensure that populations of red deer, roe deer, and other migratory species remain genetically healthy and that forests are spared from excessive browsing.

Wildlife migration routes disrupted

In Switzerland, wildlife migration routes — known as wildlife corridors — are severely disrupted: of 304 supra-regional wildlife corridors, 75 percent are impaired or completely severed. They are cut through by roads, motorways, railway lines, or settlements. This is not without consequences. On average, over 20’000 wildlife accidents occur each year on Swiss roads and railways. The costs of these accidents are estimated at 40 to 50 million Swiss francs. Hobby hunting exacerbates the problem by pushing wildlife into unfamiliar areas and further disrupting their natural migration routes.

Clear the Way for Wildlife

With their campaign «Free Passage for Wildlife!» launched today, Pro Natura is advocating for the mobility needs of wild animals. «We demand that interrupted wildlife corridors be restored to full connectivity and that migration barriers be mitigated», says Jan Gürke, coordinator of the «Free Passage for Wildlife!» campaign. He also stressed that the mobility needs of wildlife must be consistently taken into account when planning and constructing infrastructure.

More on the topic of hobby hunting: In our dossier on hunting we compile fact checks, analyses, and background reports.