Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Uruguay declared an agricultural emergency due to water shortages in productive areas. It also activated a health emergency over H5 avian influenza after the virus was found in wildlife. The dual crisis is pressuring a key export sector.
The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries declared the agricultural emergency for 90 days after technical indicators of water availability worsened for livestock, dairy, agriculture and horticulture in roughly one-third of the country.
"One rainfall does not determine or correct what has been accumulating for months," Livestock Minister Alfredo Fratti warned, explaining that the decision responds to confirmation of a persistent water deficit that is depleting reserves and affecting agricultural production.
A new evaluation will be made next week, and Fratti did not rule out incorporating additional areas into the agricultural emergency zone.
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