Belize Agricultural Health Authority
PRESS RELEASE
BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (BAHA)
AVIAN INFLUENZA IN POULTRY DETECTED IN BLUE CREEK
13th September 2022
COMMUNITY, ORANGE WALK DISTRICT
On the 9th September 2022, BAHA received positive results for Avian Influenza from poultry samples from one farm in the Blue Creek Community, Orange Walk District. Further testing identified the Avian Influenzato be of Subtype H5, but the pathogenicity of the subtype is yet to be determined. Depopulation (ie killing and disposal of all birds) of the affected farm is being carried out immediately to prevent spread of the pathogen andwith the aim of eradicating the disease
An epidemiological investigation of the event is being carried out to confirm if there are any other infected farms in the Blue Creek Community Containment measures have been put in place to restrict poultry products exiting the Blue Creek Community. To ensure that our poultry industry is protected against further introductions of the disease, BAHA is organizing the implementation of other control measures, inclusive of movement control of live birds, eggs, litter and other control measures. All poultry farmers are encouraged to strengthen biosecurity programs and to adhere to BAHA restrictions.
BAHA reassures the public that poultry meat and eggs on the local market are safe for
human consumption and will continue to implement the right safety protocols to ensure this continued safety. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, BAHA and the poultry industry are
collaborating in a coordinated response against this outbreak Belize's Cabinet has been
apprised of the situation and the extent of the outbreak En quines and reports can be made by calling the BAHA Office at 824-4872