The Committee of CARICOM Chief Veterinary Officers (CCCVO) has advised Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States–inclusive of Trinidad and Tobago– to intensify efforts to prevent the entry of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) in the Region.
In a statement, CARICOM noted that according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the HPAIV, a subtype of ‘bird flu’, can cause serious illness that can spread rapidly and result in high death rates in different species of birds.
According to PAHO, the most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. It said the main risk factor for transmission from birds to humans is direct or indirect contact with infected animals or with environments and surfaces contaminated by feces.
It noted further that plucking, handling infected poultry carcasses, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in domestic settings, may also be risk factors.
Of greater importance, PAHO said when avian influenza is transmitted to humans, symptoms in people can range from mild upper respiratory tract infection (fever and cough) to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing), shock, and even death.
Taking this into consideration, CARICOM’s said in late December, a risk analysis sub-committee of the CCCVO met and made recommendations to CARICOM Member States, including a review and update of national HPAI emergency plans and an intensification of surveillance and early detection mechanism and activities.”
“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,” the statement noted.
Source: Loop