(Trinidad Guardian) A global outbreak of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu or avian flu, has prompted the Chief Veterinary Officer to ban the importation of poultry from Miami, Florida via both air and sea.
The ban took effect from April 24, according to a notice from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer dated April 25. A subsequent notice to all importers from the Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance on April 29 also noted the ban.
Importers were advised that any shipment that was already en route would be given separate consideration once it did not pass through HPAI zones. Business owners were further encouraged to explore alternative routes and ports of export that were outside these territories.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in addition to poultry, bird flu has also recently been detected in cattle. This has raised even more international concern for the poultry industry, farmers’ livelihoods, global trade and the health of wild birds.
However, the President of the Poultry Association, Robin Phillips, said he was only aware of one shipment of replacement pullets (chicks that will become layers) being impacted by the ban. He said Florida was not a main producer of poultry, adding that the state served as a transit point.
He advised members of the public that imported poultry—including layers and broilers—remained safe for consumption.
“There is nothing to be concerned about. Of course, we have to monitor how things develop,” he said.
While HPAI primarily affects poultry and wild birds, it can occasionally be transmitted to mammals, including humans.
When contacted for comment, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning would only say that the ministry would issue a release on the matter in due course.
Guardian Media attempted to contact former Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat, but he did not respond to calls or messages sent via WhatsApp.
Bird flu is highly pathogenic and often deadly in poultry. WOAH states that it is caused by the influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses. It is important to note that “highly pathogenic” refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans.
