KINGSTON, Jamaica – Amid confirmation of the first human case of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Brazil, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is intensifying its efforts to keep the virus at bay. The ministry, through its Veterinary Services Division (VSD), has adopted a strict prevention strategy to protect the local poultry industry from the highly contagious Avian Influenza virus.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green speaking at the Caribbean Poultry Association Eighth International Technical Symposium and Exhibition. (JIS)Minister Floyd Green emphasized that the virus, often spread by migratory birds and potentially introduced through contaminated feed, equipment, clothing or improperly declared imports, poses a severe threat to both livelihoods and national food security.
In Jamaica, poultry is the largest source of animal protein – accounting for 41 per cent of the animal protein consumed by Jamaicans – and supports the livelihood of thousands of people, with backyard farmers accounting for 40 per cent of the country’s total production. Green said that measures are being taken to ensure that not a single case of bird flu enters Jamaica.
“This approach of prevention… is more cost-effective, humane, and far more sustainable than trying to contain an outbreak after the fact. Hence, to achieve this, we’re reinforcing a multi-layer strategy that we believe the entire region has to focus on,” he said.
Measures include enhancing border protection, encompassing strengthened veterinary surveillance at ports of entry and increased screening of high-risk imports such as poultry products, live birds and feed materials; ongoing surveillance of wild bird populations by the VSD in collaboration with international partners; and implementation of robust biosecurity measures on small and large poultry farms.
Other measures include public education and awareness, targeting farmers, backyard growers, vendors, and pet bird owners; and implementing emergency preparedness and response measures in the event that bird flu is detected in the country.
“All of us must have our contingency plans, including rapid response teams, quarantine protocols, and disease containment strategies, which, for us at the Ministry, are being regularly updated,” Green said.
He emphasized that partnership is essential for the success of various initiatives against bird flu, asserting that all stakeholders – both locally and regionally – must report suspicious illnesses, adhere to biosecurity guidelines, and remain vigilant and proactive.
Additionally, Minister Green stated that the government, through the Veterinary Services Division (VSD) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), is providing support through training workshops and guidance, while also fostering public-private partnerships to prevent bird flu from entering the country.
He highlighted the poultry industry’s significant value, noting that it is the most affordable and accessible source of animal protein in Jamaica.
