BAHA Continues to Monitor Blackleg and Rabies in Livestock

 Belizean livestock farmers continue to battle with the outbreak of blackleg disease and rabies among farm animals. The blackleg disease, caused by bacteria, has been reported in several areas, resulting in the death of numerous cattle. Several cases of rabies have also been identified in livestock. This highly fatal disease is transmittable to humans and can pose a threat to public health if not controlled. The Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers to take necessary precautions and seek veterinary assistance if any unusual symptoms are observed in their animals. The Ministry’s CEO, Servulo Baeza, says that while the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) continues to monitor this outbreak, the spread has been contained. 

Servulo Baeza, CEO, Ministry of Agriculture: “There is an active surveillance going on through BAHA, there is active also communication and sensitization with the farmers for them to vaccinate because both disease can be controlled through vaccination so along with the association the BLPA we’re working very closely with the farmers for them to accelerate the vaccination and certainly the surveillance is very active too.”

Reporter: But for now the number hasn’t increased drastically ?

Servulo Baeza, CEO, Ministry of Agriculture: “For now it is under control.”