GEORGETOWN, Cayman Islands, (CMC) –  Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture says it is actively monitoring the status of avian influenza after the authorities in the United States confirmed the presence of the HPAI virus in a backyard poultry flock in Puerto Rico.

This marks the first case of domestic birds in the region during this outbreak, which began in February 2022.

Officials from the Agriculture Department said they are working closely with commercial importers, farmers and other agencies to implement safeguarding measures against the potential introduction and spread of the disease here.

According to government officials, there are currently no reported cases of avian influenza in the Cayman Islands’ wild or domestic bird populations.

Avian influenza primarily spreads through direct contact between infected animals, most commonly birds.

Migratory birds are known carriers of the virus and may contribute to its spread across regions. Local wild birds, including feral chickens, could potentially be exposed. The department has called on poultry farmers and the general public to remain vigilant and implement strong biosecurity measures to minimise risks.

The department added that although the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has recently been detected in dairy cattle in the United States, the risk to humans remains low.

Meanwhile, the public has been warned that those who raise poultry or those who are in direct contact with birds should be aware of the clinical signs of HPAI in poultry.

There are no reported cases of avian influenza being transmitted through the consumption of poultry products but as a precaution, the Department of Agriculture recommends that all poultry meat and eggs be properly handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F to eliminate any potential viral or bacterial pathogens.

As part of its ongoing readiness initiatives, the department is increasing its active and passive disease surveillance programs for avian influenza locally.

In collaboration with the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Lab (CIMBL) at the Health Services Authority, the Department of Agriculture says it has the capability to conduct rapid, on-island testing for the virus, ensuring a swift response to any potential cases.