December 3, 2020

 

Antigua and Barbuda bans poultry products from UK

 

Due to an outbreak of the H5N8 virus, a highly pathogenic avian influenza, Antigua and Barbuda has placed a temporary ban of all poultry products from the United Kingdom.

 

Antigua and Barbuda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration - in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs - said it is in full support of the ban to protect Antigua and Barbuda and, by extension, the country's poultry sector. The decision to impose the temporary ban was taken after a meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chief veterinary officers.

 

According to a statement issued by the government, the H5N8 virus is a strain of the avian influenza virus which can result in catastrophic effects to the poultry sector in Antigua and Barbuda and across the region.

 

"This virus has zoonotic potential… it can be spread between animals and humans. (It) is highly virulent and highly pathogenic," the statement said, noting that a small amount of the virus can rapidly spread across a massive number of birds in a short period of time.

 

The statement added that entry of H5N8 virus can result in the sudden death of birds for an entire farm and flocks, and can devastate poultry farms within 48 hours.

 

The statement said a harmonised approach across the region is vital to secure the poultry sector across CARICOM.

 

It added: "This preventative approach has been taken as research and analysis has shown that this virus is on trend to continue its spread. Particularly, due to the imminent winter season, in which flocks of wild birds migrate across the globe with the potential to spread the virus. A preventative approach has therefore been taken to safeguard the people, food and the overall poultry sector of our nation and, by extension, the region."

 

The statement noted that effective November 25, the temporary regional ban was placed on all poultry from the UK, including chicken, duck, turkey, geese, guinea fowl, quail and squab. This includes all fresh, chilled and frozen poultry products, live birds and hatching eggs.

 

Processed poultry products (canned or hermetically sealed) shall be accompanied by an International Veterinary Health Certificate attesting that it was treated to destroy the avian influenza virus.

 

All importers of poultry meat were invited to a virtual emergency meeting held on November 27 to discuss the ban and its potential effects. No import licenses shall be granted by the Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration to import poultry from the UK into Antigua and Barbuda.

 

"The Veterinary and Livestock Division will continue to monitor this dynamic situation and will update our importers accordingly," the statement went on.

 

"Antiguan poultry importers are therefore encouraged to utilise other markets such as the US and Brazil. Poultry importers are also encouraged to support local producers who are able to assist in filling this void created in the market."

 

 - Caribbean National Weekly