KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Amid affirmation of the primary human case of the H5N1 pressure of chicken flu in Brazil, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is intensifying its efforts to maintain the virus at bay. By way of its Veterinary Providers Division (VSD), the ministry has adopted a strict prevention technique to guard the native poultry trade from the extremely contagious Avian Influenza virus.
Minister Floyd Inexperienced emphasised that the virus, usually unfold by migratory birds and doubtlessly launched by way of contaminated feed, gear, clothes, or improperly declared imports, severely threatens livelihoods and nationwide meals safety.
In Jamaica, poultry is the most important supply of animal protein—accounting for 41 % of the animal protein consumed by Jamaicans—and helps the livelihood of 1000’s of individuals. Yard farmers account for 40 % of the nation’s whole manufacturing. Inexperienced mentioned that measures are being taken to make sure that not a single case of chicken flu enters Jamaica.
“This method of prevention… is less expensive, humane, and way more sustainable than attempting to include an outbreak after the actual fact. Therefore, to realize this, we’re reinforcing a multi-layer technique that we imagine all the area has to give attention to,” he mentioned.
Measures embody enhancing border safety, encompassing strengthened veterinary surveillance at ports of entry and elevated screening of high-risk imports resembling poultry merchandise, stay birds, and feed supplies; ongoing surveillance of untamed chicken populations by the VSD in collaboration with worldwide companions; and implementation of strong biosecurity measures on small and enormous poultry farms.
Different measures embody public training and consciousness, concentrating on farmers, yard growers, distributors, and pet chicken homeowners, and implementing emergency preparedness and response measures if chicken flu is detected within the nation.
“All of us will need to have our contingency plans, together with fast response groups, quarantine protocols, and illness containment methods, which, for us on the Ministry, are being often up to date,” Inexperienced mentioned.
He emphasised that partnership is crucial for the success of assorted initiatives in opposition to chicken flu, asserting that every one stakeholders – each domestically and regionally – should report suspicious sicknesses, adhere to biosecurity pointers, and stay vigilant and proactive.
Moreover, Minister Inexperienced said that the federal government, by way of the Veterinary Providers Division (VSD) and the Rural Agricultural Improvement Authority (RADA), gives help by way of coaching workshops and steerage whereas fostering public-private partnerships to forestall chicken flu from coming into the nation.
He highlighted the poultry trade’s vital worth, noting that it’s the most reasonably priced and accessible supply of animal protein in Jamaica.
