Damage to poultry farmers being assessed after bird flu outbreak

According to LVV Minister Mike Noersalim, biosecurity within the sector must be further tightened in order to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. At the same time, additional research is being conducted into the variant identified in Suriname.

According to the minister, it is not yet clear whether this concerns a highly pathogenic or low-pathogenic form of avian influenza. Additional samples will therefore be sent abroad for testing. The results will also be shared with the APSS.

An important part of the approach is improving communication between the government and poultry farmers. Entrepreneurs are urged to immediately report unusual animal behaviour, symptoms of illness and increased mortality. According to LVV, this will enable the authorities to conduct investigations more quickly and take measures if necessary.

In addition to LVV, the Ministry of Health, the Nationaal Coördinatie Centrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR), the Bureau voor de Openbare Gezondheidszorg (BOG) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are involved in the response.

LVV is also mapping the extent of the damage suffered by affected poultry farmers. Based on this, it will be assessed what form of support is possible. Noersalim stressed that the government also wants to continue focusing on strengthening local poultry production.

APSS chairman Guilliano Jodhabier says the organisation will inform its members about the agreements made during the consultations. According to him, the association will also support LVV in the further response to avian influenza.

Jodhabier calls on poultry farmers not to wait when they observe suspicious situations. “Pass it on, report it!” the APSS chairman said.