May 17, 2007

Belize declared free from classical swine fever

Belize is now free from the Classical Swine Fever (CSF) after several years of suffering from the outbreak, according to the country's agriculture minister Vildo Marin.

The declaration has also been notified to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Marin said the ministry will still continue its effort with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) to ensure maintenance of the country's CSF free status, either through risk analysis, surveillance, emergency response, public awareness or frequent border patrols.

At the moment, only sixteen other countries are free of CSF.

CSF outbreaks have been spread throughout Central America since the USA eradicated the disease in 1978.