February 2, 2012

Belize under threat from Classical Swine Fever

Belize is adopting strict measures against Classical Swine Fever after a major outbreak of the disease was detected in the neighbouring country of Guatemala. 

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have issued an alert informing the public about Guatemala's outbreak and the current threat to Belize.  The public have also been advised to notify officials if they spot any pig disease symptoms or problems.

Belize is considered free of Classical Swine Fever, with measures currently undertaken to prevent the introduction and spread of Classical Swine Fever.

BAHA is in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to implement measures which include public awareness, movement control, round-the-clock border inspections, active surveillance in high risk areas, improvement of bio-security at farms, prohibition of the live pigs and pork products imports from Guatemala and the cleaning and disinfection of trucks used for transporting livestock to Guatemala.