-urges intensified precautions
A regional veterinary organisation is warning of possible infestation of a highly contagious avian virus as they have detected an increase in infections of non-avian species.A Caribbean Community (CARICOM) release yesterday informed of an advisory from the Committee of CARICOM Chief Veterinary Officers (CCCVO) for member states to intensify efforts to prevent the entry of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in the region.
The release noted that according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), HPAIV is a subtype of ‘bird flu’, which causes serious illness that can spread rapidly and result in high death rates in different species of birds. PAHO also stated that the most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. Recently, the number of cases in non-avian species has risen, it said.
As such, late last month, a risk analysis sub-committee of the CCCVO met and made recommendations to CARICOM Member States, including a review and update of national HPAI emergency plans and an intensification of surveillance and early detection mechanism and activities.
The Committee also wants Member States to improve collaboration on diagnostics, increase data-sharing to improve regional readiness and mitigate the risk of the disease entering through live animal importation. It has advised that there should be an intensification of regional coordination among development partners and the utilisation of a ‘One Health’ approach among regional public health agencies. In addition, robust and effective public awareness campaigns must also be implemented on WOAH guidelines, the release added.
Anyone requiring further information on high pathogenic avian influenza can visit PAHO’s website at https://www. paho.org/en/topics/avian-influenza