According to veterinarians and disease experts, the avian flu has now become endemic in some wild birds, making it a year-round problem.

The virus has continued to spread worldwide in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, leading to record outbreaks, which threatens the world’s food supply.

The prevalence of the virus in the wild is a warning that farmers should view the disease as a serious risk all year, rather than focusing on prevention efforts during the spring migration seasons. The best efforts of farmers to protect flocks are falling short, and vaccinations are not a simple solution.

Although the virus can infect people, the risk to humans is low, while it is deadly to poultry, and entire flocks are culled when even one bird tests positive.

The virus has spread farther and wider around the world than ever before, as far south as Uruguay and is infecting a broader range of wild birds than previous versions.

High levels of bird flu virus in migratory birds like blue-winged teal and ducks have helped to spread the virus to new parts of South America. Countries including Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia have reported cases in recent months.

Ecuador has imposed a three-month animal-health emergency after detecting its first case, resulting in over 1.1 million bird deaths.

The spread of the disease in Bolivia brings it closer to the poultry giant, Brazil.

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