According to a ProMED posting on November 28th, authorities in Ecuador reported an outbreak of H5N1 strain HPAI on November 25th.  The case involved a 180,000-hen laying operation in Chaguana a large regional center south of Quito.  According to the report, the flock showed a rapid rise in mortality, attaining 28 percent.  The diagnosis was confirmed by a state-operated, (Agrocalidad) laboratory applying PCR.  According to Dr. Patricio Almeda, Executive Director of Agrocalidad, appropriate control measures were implemented including depopulation of the farm and surveillance and quarantine. 

This is the first report of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Ecuador.  Columbia has reported 19 outbreaks, mostly in backyard flocks and in wild birds.  On November 18th, Peru reported an outbreak in pelicans.