The Belize Agricultural and Health Authority (BAHA) is reporting tonight that a dangerous disease that can devastate the country's banana industry is getting closer to our borders.
That disease is called the Fusarium Wilt of Banana, and it is caused by the fungus, Fusarium oxysporum (TR4), and it was recently confirmed to be in Colombia. So, its presence in that country has all the nations of Central America and Mexico on high alert. They are trying to ensure that it does not cross their borders, and so BAHA is doing the same thing in Belize.
That means that with immediate effect, BAHA is implementing quarantine measures, such as a ban on the importation of used tires, used farm equipment and machinery, and other non-plant regulated articles from known countries and regions that have confirmed that TR4 is present.
These countries and regions include Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
BAHA says to avoid any undue delays or losses importers or their representatives, the customs brokers, are advised to seek guidance from them prior to the importation of any commodity from the above-mentioned countries.
