Protocols activated to keep bird flu out of Jamaica, says Veterinary Services Division

The Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture says it has activated protocols to mitigate the possible entry of bird flu into Jamaica, following confirmation of the disease in the Cayman Islands in late November.

The division said the outbreak involved both wild and domesticated birds on a single farm.

“To date, there have been no reports of bird flu in Jamaica,” the agency said in a media release on Tuesday.

The veterinary division stated that the primary risks for the introduction of bird flu into Jamaica at this time include the migration of wild birds, the illegal importation of live birds or other infected animals, the illegal importation of poultry products, and travel by infected humans, as well as contamination via footwear and clothing.

It noted that the virus can spread through contact with bird droppings, feathers, undercooked or uncooked poultry, and infected animals.

The agency said that while transmission from humans to humans and from humans to animals is uncommon, it remains possible.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, affects a wide range of mammals, including humans.

In most species, the division explains, the illness presents with signs typical of influenza infections: coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and conjunctivitis.

In birds, sudden death may be the only indication of infection.

Other signs may include reduced egg production and swelling of the wattles and combs.

Bird flu has been reported in over 100 countries worldwide, including several within the region, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Cuba, and Costa Rica, the division noted.

The division said robust surveillance measures remain in place to monitor wild birds and domestic poultry to ensure the continued safety of the country’s borders.

Importation of live poultry and poultry products/by-products without permits from the division is strictly prohibited.

In support of these mitigation efforts, the agency said the agriculture ministry today convened a meeting with poultry industry stakeholders to discuss the situation and to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response mechanisms.

It said the objective is to safeguard health, food security and ensure business continuity should bird flu be detected locally.

Additionally, the public is urged to avoid handling wild birds or their feathers/droppings, particularly during migration, as birds may carry the virus without showing signs of infection and to prevent wild birds from coming into contact with domestic birds such as chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and pet birds.

Further, persons are being urged to maintain strict biosecurity measures when working with poultry and poultry products, observe animals for signs of respiratory illness and seek veterinary advice promptly, and keep pets away from sick birds and refrain from handling them.

Also, the public is being asked to keep pets away from sick birds and refrain from handling them, avoid entering poultry operations after returning from overseas locations where contact with wild birds or known infected sources may have occurred, and wear masks when experiencing respiratory infections with flu-like symptoms.

Persons are being urged to report suspicious bird deaths to the veterinary division or the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

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