Press Release – Belize Agricultural Health Authority – October 9, 2015 – On the 9th September 2015 the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) declared that Belize had regained its free status from the Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2. This virus had been circulating in the Spanish Lookout Area, one of the most important poultry sector in Belize. BAHA has continued testing in all other areas of the country and responding to calls from the general public whom has remained vigilant. To date BAHA has detected four suspect outbreaks in backyard poultry only; two villages in the southern districts, namely Red Bank and Bella Vista and two villages in the north, namely Fireburn and Sylvestre. The early detection and rapid response by BAHA has not allowed for the spread of the suspect disease in the surrounding areas and other communities. BAHA with the support from the Poultry Industry conducted depopulation of the infected birds in the affected villages. BAHA continues to implement disease control and monitoring measures. The Animal Health Department is awaiting a definitive diagnosis from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), reference laboratory in the United States. BAHA reminds the commercial poultry farmers to continue enforcing biosecurity measures and for the general public to report any sick birds. BAHA also takes this opportunity to ensure the general public that poultry meat and eggs are safe for human consumption. For further information please call 605-2100 or 824-4899/4872.
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