The outbreak of avian influenza at a poultry farm in Paramaribo has killed nearly 5,000 chickens. Authorities have culled farms, disinfected contact locations and launched inspections, while investigations must determine which virus variant is circulating in Suriname.
The first confirmed outbreak of avian influenza in Suriname at a poultry farm in Paramaribo has presented the country with a new veterinary and public health challenge. According to the ministerie van Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), about 6,000 broiler chickens were present at the affected farm. After unusually high mortality was reported, sick animals were sampled on September 17. At that point, nearly 5,000 chickens had died.
A day later, the Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg (Public Health Bureau) confirmed that it was avian influenza. The remaining animals at the farm were subsequently culled. Locations that may have had contact with the infected farm were also identified. Measures were also taken there, including culling and disinfection, to prevent further spread of the virus.
Door-to-door inspections are being carried out in the vicinity of the affected farm. These are aimed at determining whether residents keep poultry and whether there is notable mortality among birds. The infected farm and involved contact locations will remain closed for 28 days after infected material has been cleared or neutralised. After that, it must be assessed again whether the locations can safely be reopened.
Avian influenza in Suriname: investigation into origin of virus
It is not yet known how the virus entered Suriname. Gianna Karg, acting deputy director of Veterinary Services at LVV, says the country is confronting this disease for the first time. With support from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, samples are being sent to a foreign laboratory for further typing and genetic testing.
The laboratory results must provide more clarity on the precise virus variant and possibly also its origin. An earlier Key News publication had already reported that it still needs to be determined whether Suriname is dealing with a highly pathogenic or low-pathogenic form of avian influenza. This determination is important for further risk analysis and the approach within the poultry sector.
Risk to people closely monitored
Stephanie Cheuk-Alam, acting director of the BOG, emphasises that avian influenza can be transmitted from infected animals to humans under certain circumstances. Direct or indirect contact with sick animals, carcasses, droppings or contaminated surfaces in particular poses a risk. According to the BOG, the people tested so far have tested negative, but they remain under monitoring because of the incubation period. LVV staff who have been active in the field are also being monitored.
PAHO reports that sustained human-to-human transmission of avian influenza has not been demonstrated so far. However, the organisation advises closely monitoring people who have been exposed to infected animals or contaminated environments. Possible symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, breathing difficulties and eye inflammation. People who develop such symptoms after contact with birds are advised to consult a doctor.
So far, all tested individuals have tested negative.
Properly cooked chicken is not a proven route of infection
According to the health authorities, infection mainly occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated material. PAHO also states that there is no evidence that avian influenza is transmitted to humans through properly prepared and fully cooked poultry meat or eggs. Good kitchen hygiene remains important for consumers.
The BOG and LVV are calling on poultry farmers to report sick or dead birds immediately. Illness or notable mortality can be reported via telephone number 8938970. At farms, boots must be disinfected, separate clothing must be used and dust formation in sheds must be limited as much as possible. Such biosecurity measures should prevent potentially contaminated material from being carried from one location to another.
Poultry sector must further tighten biosecurity
According to Karg, combating avian influenza requires measures at several levels. Not only the Veterinary Service of LVV, but also customs and the ministerie van Economische Zaken, Ondernemerschap en Technologische Innovatie play a role. Supervision focuses, among other things, on the trade and import of animals, feed and animal products.
The outbreak also has consequences for the poultry sector itself. LVV and the Associatie Pluimvee Sector Suriname have now made agreements on stricter biosecurity, faster reporting of disease symptoms and assessing damage suffered by affected entrepreneurs. The government also wants to prevent pressure on the food supply. LVV previously announced that about 35 percent of the local demand for chicken is met by Surinamese producers and that the remainder is imported.
Vigilance remains necessary while investigation continues
In the coming period, laboratory testing must provide more clarity about the type of virus found in Suriname. Until then, surveillance, swift reporting and strict hygiene remain necessary, according to the authorities. Poultry farmers and people who work professionally with birds in particular are asked to remain alert to sudden mortality or signs of illness and not to handle suspect animals without protection.
