ST GEORGE’S GRENADA-Grenada is among Eastern Caribbean countries that have been placed on high alert as a result of the outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in some regional territories.
Avian Influenza, according to the Pest Management Officer within the Ministry of Agriculture Lands and Fisheries, is transmitted by wild migratory birds moving from cold climates into warmer regions.
“We continue to secure our borders against that deadly virus,” said Thaddeus Peters Pest Management Officer, within the Livestock and Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture “We have to become more vigilant with regard to imports from affected countries and we are asking the trading and the general public to refrain from the importation of live birds and other related products from those regions.’’
Countries currently experiencing and monitoring the outbreak of the highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Canada, Mexico Chile, Honduras, Ecuador and Peru.
The Veterinary and livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture is reminding businesses and individuals that permission must be granted for the importation of live animals, and any meat and meat products.
This warning is also effective for visitors and returning nationals entering the country with meat and meat products.
“Once you have any of those products you are required to declare them to customs and agriculture officials at the port of entry, so that action can be taken,’’ said Thaddeus Peters, Pest Management Officer within the Livestock and Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Veterinary and Livestock Division takes this opportunity to remind the public that failure to comply with Importation Guidelines can result in a fine of $3000.00 EC or Three (3) months imprisonment, under the Animal (Disease and importation) Act. (Section 4 subsection 21).
The public is also being encouraged to report to the Livestock Division any sightings of unusual dead birds, or birds falling onto the ground as they migrate, and as well to refrain from and report activities of meat and meat products entering Grenada illegally.
A risk assessment action plan will be discussed among stakeholders, including the Royal Grenada Police Force, Customs Officials at all Ports of Entry, The Grenada Bureau of Standards as well as Licensed Importers.
The Veterinary and livestock Division also continues to provide guidance in ensuring that poultry carcasses entering the country is imported from HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA FREE ZONES.
