Could Bird Flu Threaten Belize’s Poultry Industry Again?

The ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak has made its way into commercial poultry in states like California, Washington, and Colorado. While the risk to public health remains low, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation, particularly among poultry workers.

The virus, which spreads primarily through wild birds, can also infect poultry and mammals. Human cases are rare, but experts caution that farmworkers, dairy, and poultry workers are at higher risk of exposure.

With it clearly being an outbreak in the U.S., how can this affect Belize? Although human cases are rare, the virus spreads mainly through wild birds and can infect poultry and mammals. In Belize, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Belize Poultry Association (BPA) are working together to monitor the situation and protect local flocks.

Dr. Victor Gongora, a veterinarian with the BPA, stated that while Belize successfully eradicated the virus in 2015, neighbouring countries like Guatemala and El Salvador still face ongoing outbreaks.

“We’ve had avian influenza for a long time in the region, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, but Belize has been the only country in the region that we have had an infection in 2015, and we were able to eradicate it and declare ourselves free. Because unlike Guatemala, El Salvador still has it with them, and they’re vaccinating, and Belize is not vaccinating,” he said.

Signs of avian influenza in birds can include reduced appetite, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and a drop in egg production. Affected birds may show signs of weakness, such as lack of energy, swelling around the face, and purple discolouration. Other symptoms include lack of coordination, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, drooping wings, and twisted head and neck movements. In severe cases, birds may become unable to move or die suddenly without any prior symptoms.

The bird flu’s economic impact on Belize’s poultry industry can be significant over a long-term period, said Armando Cowo, the manager of the BPA. Cowo stated that systems are in place to assist local farmers to better protect their birds even if some farmers are not members of the association.

Cowo and Dr. Gongora stressed the importance of the public’s assistance in reporting suspected cases. The public is urged to report any suspected cases to the BPA at 822-3221 or 615-9694 to help protect Belize from this disease.