By Shanieka Smith
Staff Writer
#Barbados, November 17, 2022 – The importation of poultry, poultry products and live birds from the United Kingdom has been suspended in Barbados. This suspension followed news of a bird flu outbreak in the UK.
Bird flu is most often contracted by contact with sick birds. It can also be passed from person to person. Symptoms begin within two to eight days and can seem like the common flu. Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and shortness of breath may occur. The disease can carry high mortality in humans. Some antiviral drugs, if taken within two days of symptoms, may help.
The protective measure was announced by Veterinary Officer, Dr. Mark Trotman who said that while no human cases have been confirmed with the illness to date, the virus can infect humans with deadly consequences.
The ban specifically restricts the import of fresh or cooked poultry products but will permit cooked poultry products that have been canned. Permits or licenses to import these products have also been suspended.
The Financial Times has reported that 40 per cent of its free range turkey flock has been lost, also labelling the outbreak as the worst ever avian influenza or bird flu outbreak. It has already killed many birds and flocks have, by order, been made to keep indoors.
Meanwhile, in Barbados, Trotman has said products such as processed egg, poultry meat, and washed and steam-dried feathers are not included in the restriction. However, they must be accompanied by an official veterinary export health certificate.
