Belize on High Alert to Prevent Bird Flu Outbreak

With bird flu cases surfacing in neighboring countries, Belize is moving into prevention mode. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority is warning poultry farmers and the public to stay vigilant as outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have been confirmed in Honduras and Costa Rica. While no cases have been detected locally, officials say Belize faces an elevated risk because of the movement of migratory birds across the region. BAHA is urging anyone who notices sick or dead birds to report them immediately and is reminding farmers to tighten biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. The authority says a single outbreak could have serious consequences for Belize’s poultry industry, especially as illegal imports continue to pose a major threat.

 

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