News
What has been the evolution, impact, and lessons learned from the management of avian influenza in Latin America and the Caribbean?
FAO presents a technical report that, for the first time, documents the regional impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Latin America and the Caribbean following its introduction in 2022.
Since 1997, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strain H5N1 has caused significant outbreaks in domestic and wild birds across Asia, Europe, and Africa, with serious consequences for public health, biodiversity, and local economies.
In October 2022, this strain entered Latin America for the first time, marking a turning point for the region. The rapid spread of the virus and the emergence of new outbreaks in multiple countries revealed an unprecedented scenario, with cases not only in birds but also in marine mammals, domestic animals, and even in humans who had direct contact with infected animals.
Poultry production is a key pillar in Latin America and the Caribbean, both for food security and as a source of livelihood for millions of
small- and medium-scale producers. The expansion of HPAI has posed risks not only to the regional economy but also to the availability of animal-source protein and the biodiversity of ecosystems. Against this backdrop, reinforcing regional cooperation and strengthening technical capacities to prevent and control the virus have become urgent priorities.
The report Emergency and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean: Regional technical report for the period October 2022 to September 2024, published by FAO, documents the health emergency triggered by the emergence and spread of HPAI H5N1 in countries across Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Detection and spread of the virus in Latin America and the Caribbean
Low pathogenicity:
The first records of avian influenza virus in South America date back to 2001, when a low pathogenicity strain was detected in wild waterfowl in Bolivia. In Colombia, the virus was first identified in broiler chickens in 2005. Between 2009 and 2012, Peru reported seven different subtypes, five of which had never been recorded elsewhere in Latin America.
In Central America, the first isolations of low pathogenicity virus in domestic poultry were reported in Guatemala and El Salvador in 2000 and 2001. In addition, several virus subtypes were identified in ducks in Guatemala between 2007 and 2013.
High pathogenicity:
One of the first major outbreaks of HPAI in South America occurred in Chile in 2002, caused by the H7N3 virus.
Since October 2022, Brazil, Chile, and Peru have reported the highest number of HPAI H5N1 cases in wild birds and animals in the Southern Cone. Among domestic birds, Argentina and Peru led in the number of outbreaks detected. In contrast, Central American and Caribbean countries reported fewer cases, which were sporadic and short-lived, both in wild and domestic birds.
These continental experiences confirmed the circulation of different virus lineages among wild birds in South America, suggesting a divergent evolution of these viruses in the hemisphere.
How to respond to an avian influenza emergency?
In response to the regional health challenge, in 2023, FAO approved a Technical Cooperation Programme and activated the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities to support HPAI response efforts in 11 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. In parallel, national projects with similar objectives were implemented in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
These programmes aimed to enhance countries’ capacity to manage and respond to the emergency by strengthening veterinary services, providing essential supplies, and supporting resource mobilization.
To achieve this, FAO supported actions focused on early detection, sanitary culling of animals, strengthening biosecurity, zonification, and provided technical advice on vaccination as a complementary tool to traditional control measures. Before the emergency, most countries in the region had not implemented vaccination against avian influenza—except for countries like the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. However, in 2023, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay decided to include vaccination in their outbreak control strategies, complementing it with surveillance and biosecurity measures.
FAO recommends establishing an interdisciplinary group under the One Health approach, bringing together multiple public and private
stakeholders to guide vaccination decisions. In addition, it is advised to define risk scenarios and make vaccination decisions during “peace times,” rather than in the midst of an outbreak, when risk perceptions can be altered.
The report highlights the importance of public–private collaboration in addressing the health crisis. In each country, poultry and egg producer associations (members of the Latin American Poultry Association) provided technical and operational support during the emergency. At the same time, specialized academic groups from various universities contributed to training activities, supported the design of sanitary strategies, and participated in applied research.
Lessons learned from the avian influenza crisis
The avian influenza crisis exposed the fact that some countries in the region lacked experience, appropriate protocols, and trained personnel to address a health emergency of this scale. This was reflected in the lack of harmonization or standardization of epidemiological records across the region, resulting in varying country responses, which could hinder future planning of prevention and control strategies.
Moreover, the impact on the general population was evident, as the high mortality of wild birds and mammals along coasts and wetlands caused alarm among residents and tourists, who reported these findings to authorities. In such situations, it is essential to collect samples, identify species, conduct epidemiological characterization, and manage health risks—remembering that sick or dead birds should not be handled, and any sightings must be reported immediately to the official veterinary services.
This health emergency illustrated the complex epidemiology of HPAI, characterized by its significant economic impact and threats to biodiversity and domestic animals. It also highlighted the need for greater preparedness to respond to large-scale and complex health emergencies—especially in critical areas such as the culling of caged laying hens, wildlife management, and control zone administration.
Finally, the report emphasizes the importance of public–private coordination, inter-institutional cooperation, and international collaboration. It recommends designing emergency vaccination plans, defining responsibilities in response to findings in wildlife, establishing protocols for exposed persons, and developing compensation mechanisms—especially for small-scale producers.
These experiences reaffirm the need for strong animal health systems, effective regional cooperation, and sustained strategies under the One Health approach as key pillars for addressing future zoonotic threats.
Read the publication here: https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4707es
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HEADER: Grenada – A government official inspects a chicken during a visit to a beneficiary of FAO’s poultry project. © FAO/Giuseppe Bizzarri
- Mexico – Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. A brown pelican flies over the mangroves of this biodiversity refuge on the Yucatán coast. © FAO/Luis Antonio Rojas
- Guatemala – Poultry and egg producer supplying public schools that receive state funding for school feeding. © Pep Bonet/NOOR for FAO
- Bolivia – Chickens being weighed in the shed at Maleriada farm. © FAO/Sue Price
- Nicaragua – A hen and her chicks rest on a rock. © FAO/Saul Palma
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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