There are as yet no indications that the H5 avian influenza has spread beyond the poultry farm where the infection was originally detected. All suspected poultry farms examined have so far tested negative. Nevertheless, according to acting Director of Livestock Gerald Tjon A San, it is still too early to declare the situation fully under control.
That is what Tjon A San told the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS) on Wednesday, October 14. The Ministry of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (LVV, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) will for the time being keep the control measures in force. The infected farm remains in quarantine and inspectors carry out daily checks.
The inspections focus on poultry farms within a radius of seven kilometres around the infection site. Locations to which potentially infected material may have been transported are also being checked.
Of the five farms that were placed in quarantine as a precaution or because of the confirmed infection, two have now been cleared. It is expected that another two farms can be released from quarantine next week. The originally infected farm will remain closed until the necessary control and disinfection work has been completed and all infected material has been properly neutralised.
According to Tjon A San, an observation period of approximately 28 to 30 days must be awaited before further conclusions can be drawn about control of the outbreak. The investigation into the specific virus type and its possible origin has also not yet been completed.
For this purpose, samples must be sent to a foreign reference laboratory. Shipment is still awaiting approval and available testing capacity. “As long as we do not yet have that investigation from the reference laboratory, we cannot really say where it came from,” the acting director said.
LVV is calling on poultry farmers to tighten hygiene measures at their farms. The ministry advises, among other things, washing boots and hands and wearing separate clothing when entering poultry houses. In addition, checks at border posts are being stepped up to prevent the illegal import of poultry products.
