Belize Free on Avian Influenza

Cabinet announced yesterday that Belize is now free of the Avian Influenza virus. Agriculture Minister Jose Mai notified Cabinet that the quick response by the government and poultry producers to address the outbreak of the avian flu in Belize was successful.  All tests conducted by Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) show Belize is completely free of the avian influenza virus.  As such, quarantine measures have been discontinued. Last month, the virus was detected at a farm in Blue Creek Village, Orange Walk, in the first instance before it began spreading. This led to thousands of chickens being slaughtered.