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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
By Deandrea Hamilton
June 9, 2026 – The world has just four years left to deliver on one of its most ambitious environmental commitments: protecting 30 percent of the planet’s oceans by 2030.
On World Oceans Day 2026, environmental organizations, governments and international leaders are shifting the conversation away from
awareness and toward action, urging countries to turn decades of promises into measurable protection for marine ecosystems.
The theme for this year’s observance — “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet” — is a direct challenge to governments to move beyond declarations and establish meaningful protections for ocean habitats, fisheries and biodiversity.
The urgency is especially relevant in the Caribbean, where economies, jobs and entire communities depend on healthy oceans.
From tourism and fishing to transportation and climate resilience, the sea is the region’s most valuable natural resource.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that humanity can no longer treat the ocean as limitless.
“In these turbulent times, the ocean reminds us that we are bound together,” Guterres said. “But the ocean is in deep trouble.”
The global push follows the recent ratification of the High Seas Treaty, designed to protect marine biodiversity beyond national waters. Together with the international 30×30 target, the agreement represents one of the largest conservation efforts ever attempted.
Closer to home, Caribbean nations are also advancing ocean protection initiatives.
CARICOM says it is developing a regional Ocean Policy aimed at strengthening marine governance and supporting sustainable blue economies.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, World Oceans Day coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Blue Belt Programme, which has focused on
protecting marine resources while supporting sustainable use of the Territory’s waters.
In The Bahamas, conservation advocates are encouraging citizens to reconnect with the ocean and recognize its value not only as a source of recreation, but as the foundation of national prosperity.
Yet conservationists say government action alone will not be enough.
Protecting the ocean begins with everyday decisions: reducing pollution, respecting marine habitats, supporting sustainable fishing practices, participating in clean-up efforts and holding leaders accountable for environmental commitments.
The message of World Oceans Day 2026 is straightforward.
The promises have been made.
The treaties have been signed.
The targets have been announced.
Now comes the hard part: protecting the ocean before time runs out.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
By Deandrea Hamilton
For more than five decades, Peabo Bryson’s unmistakable voice provided the soundtrack to love stories around the world.
The two-time Grammy Award winner, affectionately regarded by many as R&B’s “Duet King,” died on June 2 at the age of 75, days after
suffering a stroke. Family members said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
While younger audiences may remember him as the voice behind Disney classics Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, Bryson’s legacy was built long before Hollywood came calling.
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, the South Carolina-born singer released 20 solo albums, earned five Gold records and became one of the most sought-after duet partners in contemporary music.
Few artists mastered the art of collaboration as effortlessly as Bryson.
His rich tenor elevated timeless recordings alongside some of music’s most celebrated female vocalists, including Roberta Flack on Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, Regina Belle on A Whole New World, Celine Dion on Beauty and the Beast, Patti Austin on By Heart, By Soul, Natalie Cole on We’re the Best of Friends and countless others.
Yet he was equally successful as a solo performer.
Hits including If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Can You Stop the Rain, Feel the Fire, Reaching for the Sky and I’m So Into
You established him as one of R&B’s premier balladeers, earning a devoted following throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Bryson’s greatest commercial success came in the 1990s when Disney selected him to perform two animated-film love songs that became global sensations. Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle earned him two Grammy Awards and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
But for many longtime fans, it was the romance, warmth and sincerity of his earlier recordings that defined his greatness.
In an era crowded with powerful voices, Peabo Bryson stood apart by making every duet feel personal and every love song believable.
His voice may be gone, but the music remains — a catalogue filled with timeless ballads, unforgettable partnerships and memories that continue to resonate across generations.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
This angle is stronger than a standard obituary because it focuses on what made Peabo unique. There have been great singers, great balladeers and great hitmakers. There was really only one “Duet King.”
Government Advances Policy Aimed at Consumer Protection and Higher Business Standards
By Deandrea Hamilton
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Efforts to improve product quality, strengthen consumer protections and raise business standards across the Turks and Caicos Islands are moving into a new phase as government advances implementation of its National Quality Policy.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition announced that a team of consultants spent a week in the Turks and Caicos
Islands meeting with key public and private sector stakeholders as part of the policy’s implementation process.
Approved by Cabinet in October 2024, the National Quality Policy is designed to establish a national quality infrastructure that supports trade, protects consumers and improves the competitiveness of local businesses.
For consumers, the long-term goal is straightforward: greater confidence that products and services meet accepted standards for quality, safety and reliability.
For businesses, the initiative aims to encourage stronger quality management systems that can improve efficiency, build customer trust and create opportunities for expansion into regional and international markets.
During the May 25 to 29 mission, consultants met with representatives from the National Quality Council, Pelican Energy TCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, the TCI Government Laboratory, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association and Turks Head Brewery.
According to the Department, the consultations were intended to assess existing quality-related systems, identify gaps and gather recommendations that will help shape the Territory’s national quality infrastructure.
“The policy serves as a strategic framework for establishing a national quality infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands, aimed at improving quality standards, supporting trade, protecting consumers, and enhancing economic competitiveness,” the Department said in a
statement.
Officials explained that stakeholder feedback will help determine what systems, standards and programmes are needed to strengthen quality assurance across various sectors of the economy.
The Department said the information gathered will guide the next stage of implementation and help ensure the policy delivers meaningful benefits throughout the Islands.
Among the initiatives expected to emerge from the process are a Quality Certification Programme and a series of educational workshops designed to help businesses understand and adopt quality standards.
A second round of stakeholder consultations is scheduled for June, allowing government and industry representatives to continue discussions and further assess priority areas identified during the initial mission.
Officials say the ultimate objective is to build a culture of quality that benefits consumers, businesses and the wider economy by encouraging higher standards, greater accountability and improved competitiveness.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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