Gov’t Adopts Bird Flu Safeguards for Poultry Sector

• The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, through its Veterinary Services Division (VSD), has taken an exclusionary approach to safeguard the poultry sector against the threat of Avian Influenza, commonly known as ‘Bird Flu’.
• According to Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, the highly contagious virus is often transmitted by migratory birds and can be introduced to poultry farms through contaminated feed, equipment, clothing, or improperly declared imports. He added that the virus has a high mortality rate and can cause economic devastation to farmers and, ultimately, could lead to trade restrictions.
• This could prove devastating to Jamaica, where poultry is the largest source of animal protein and supports the livelihood of thousands of people, with backyard farmers accounting for 40% of the country’s total production. Consequently, the Ministry has taken measures to ensure that not a single case of Bird Flu enters Jamaica.
• The measures being undertaken include enhancing border protection, encompassing strengthened veterinary surveillance at ports of entry and increased screening of high-risk imports such as poultry products, live birds and feed materials; ongoing surveillance of wild bird populations by the VSD in collaboration with international partners; and implementation of robust biosecurity measures on small and large poultry farms.
• Other measures include public education and awareness, targeting farmers, backyard growers, vendors, and pet bird owners; and implementing emergency preparedness and response measures in the unlikely event that Bird Flu is detected in the country. He emphasised that partnership is essential for the success of various initiatives against Bird Flu, asserting that all stakeholders – both locally and regionally – must report suspicious illnesses, adhere to biosecurity guidelines, and remain vigilant and proactive.

(Source: JIS)