The importation of live birds, poultry, and poultry products from the United States of America and Canada has been temporarily suspended by Barbados’ Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security.
Chief Veterinary Officer from Veterinary Services, Dr Mark Trotman, has issued a ban on poultry, and poultry products from these two North American countries, due to an outbreak of a new strain of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus, commonly referred to as “bird flu”.
Dr Trotman said there is potential for this strain of the virus to affect people, especially those who interact or work with infected birds, or potentially infected mammals.
Trotman noted that, as with most diseases that are not present in this area, the best protection is strengthening quarantine measures.
