As Tellez noted the tests so far for sick pelicans in Belize has been negative for Avian flu. But, BAHA sent out the advisory last night, and the official threat level is listed as "high." This evening, Minister of Agriculture, Jose Mai told us they are monitoring it closely:
Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"We received reports of Pelican birds being sick; one of them was dehydrated, the other one was sick, but I don't know that any of them died. I think eventually one of them died. The thing is that we did took samples of these 2 birds. We did the sampling in Central Farm at the PCR lab at BAHA and both are negative for avian influenza. Remember its only PCR, but we are monitoring. BAHA is on the alert. I think the question everybody is asking is what risk it pose to our national flock. We have strong biosecurity measures in place. We have an active surveillance method in place and so we are monitoring carefully and if we detect it, it will be done early. So far, we have no reports from our commercial flock. So so far we are good. I do not know the state that is affected in Honduras, if it on the coast or if its inland, but Mexico is reporting having in wild birds too. Its in the region and we have to keep monitoring and keep the surveillance and alert for any signs and symptoms that may show up in our flocks either commercial flocks or backyard flocks."
Reporter
"Is there any way to prevent it from entering the country knowing that its right across the borders?"
Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture
"If it's in wild birds it difficult to prevent. We don't encourage the importation of live birds from any country and if we were to do so it has to be under strict control, but I don't know that we are doing that, to be honest."
BAHA is currently Strengthening the inspections of passengers and vessels at all points of entry and restricting the importation of poultry and poultry products originating from infected countries among other measures.
The BAHA veterinary services can be contacted on WhatsApp at 614-6891.
