Brazil Probes Deadly Virus Outbreak Among World's Rarest Parrots

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Brazilian authorities are investigating a potentially deadly virus outbreak among the world's last remaining Spix's Macaws, a critically endangered species made famous by the animated film 'Rio.' The outbreak has been linked to the Spix's Macaw Breeding Center, which has been at the center of a long-standing dispute between private breeders and the government over conservation efforts. The Spix's Macaw, a vibrant blue parrot, has not been spotted in the wild for 25 years. In 2020, a group of captive-bred birds was introduced to northeast Brazil in an effort to reintroduce the species to its natural habitat. However, all 11 birds released into the wild have tested positive for the incurable circovirus, and a further 20 in captivity have also been infected. Brazil's conservation agency, ICMBio, has fined the breeding center 1.8 million reais for failing to implement proper biosafety protocols, which may have contributed to the spread of the virus. The police investigation, codenamed 'Operation Blue Hope,' is looking into charges of spreading a disease capable of harming wildlife, causing death to wild animals, and obstructing environmental inspections. The breeding center has pushed back against accusations of negligence, claiming that tropical parrots like the Spix's Macaw are resistant to the circovirus. However, ICMBio has warned that the virus can cause beak and feather disease in parrot species and poses no risk to humans. The situation has sparked concerns over the conservation of the Spix's Macaw, which is considered a bird of high conservation value. ICMBio has emphasized that those responsible for the contamination must be held accountable. The breeding center is a partner of the German Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots, which holds 75 percent of the world's registered Spix's Macaws. The incident has also highlighted the complexities of conservation efforts, particularly when it comes to the sale of endangered species. Brazil terminated its partnership with the German organization in 2024 after it sold 26 of the birds to a private zoo in India without its consent.