GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The Committee of Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chief Veterinary Officers (CCCVO) is advising regional countries to intensify efforts to prevent the entry of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) in the Caribbean.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said HPAIV, a subtype of the bird flu, causes serious illness that can spread rapidly and result in high death rates in different species of birds. It said the most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds.
A statement posted on the Caricom website noted that the number of cases in non-avian species has risen.

“Late last month, a risk analysis sub-committee of the CCCVO met and made recommendations to member states, including a review and update of national HPAIV emergency plans and an intensification of surveillance and early detection mechanism and activities.”

The statement said that the committee also wants member states to improve collaboration on diagnostics, increase data-sharing to improve regional readiness and mitigate the risk of the disease entering through live animal importation.

“It has advised that there should be an intensification of regional coordination among development partners and the utilisation of a ‘One Health’ approach among regional public health agencies.”
“Robust and effective public awareness campaigns must also be implemented on World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines, the committee said.