FAO supports Suriname in combating bird flu: outbreak under control for now

The technical mission followed the first detection of avian influenza, better known as bird flu, at a poultry farm in Suriname. In response to the outbreak, acting Director of Veeteelt, Gerald Tjon A San, had requested specialist support from the FAO.

The FAO delegation consisted of veterinary epidemiologist and animal health specialist Dr Vanessa Max Kraus from the FAO regional office in Chile and veterinary laboratory specialist Dr Ana Maria Nicola from the regional office in Argentina.

Research and training

During their stay, the experts supported LVV staff with epidemiological research, field activities and laboratory work. The so-called One Health approach was central to this, in which the health of people, animals and the environment is considered in conjunction.

Cooperation with the Ministry of Volksgezondheid (Public Health) was also strengthened. LVV staff received practical training in investigating outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a serious form of bird flu that can lead to high mortality among poultry.

In addition, Dr Nicola inspected the ELISA equipment at the Veterinair Laboratorium. This equipment is used for laboratory testing, including for antibodies against pathogens.

The delegation also paid working visits to the Veterinair Laboratorium and the laboratory of the Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg (Public Health Bureau; BOG). Discussions were also held with various cooperation partners, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).

FAO positive about LVV approach

The international experts expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the LVV team. According to the FAO, the ministry has already independently carried out a large part of the necessary control measures.

To further support the work, the FAO symbolically handed over educational materials and personal protective equipment to the acting Director of Veeteelt. These resources are intended for staff carrying out field research and laboratory work.

The experts stressed that continuous monitoring, improved biosecurity measures at poultry farms and prompt reporting of suspected cases of disease remain necessary to prevent new infections.

Suriname working towards bird flu-free status

According to acting Deputy Director of Veterinaire Diensten, drs. Gianna Karg, the technical mission was positive. She indicated that the outbreak is currently under control.

The ministry remains focused on further combating the disease, with the ultimate goal of being able to officially declare Suriname free of avian influenza.

The FAO experts also made recommendations on processing and presenting the collected research data. Their findings and advice will be recorded in a report.

Bird flu affects several countries in the region

Bird flu has posed a threat to the poultry sector in various parts of the world for several years. According to LVV, more than sixteen countries in the region have faced outbreaks between 2020 and 2026.

The ministry reports that, after the Cayman Islands, Suriname is the second country in the Caribbean where the disease has been detected.

The FAO supports countries in combating the disease through technical training, simulation exercises and the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Call to poultry farmers

Although the outbreak is currently under control according to LVV, vigilance remains necessary. The ministry calls on poultry farmers and other citizens to immediately report suspected disease symptoms and unusual mortality among poultry to the competent authorities.

According to LVV, the rapid detection of possible infections is of great importance in preventing further spread and protecting both the poultry sector and public health.