Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

St Lucia bans UK poultry

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

by: Anselma Aimable
Caribbean Net News St Lucia Correspondent
Email: anselma@caribbeannetnews.com

CASTRIES, St Lucia: On February 3, the International Organization for Animal Health (OIA) was notified of an outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as the bird flu, in the United Kingdom on January 27.

Avian influenza or bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that was first reported in Asia.

Due to this development, St Lucia has placed a ban on all poultry and poultry products from the UK. Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr George Joseph says the ban is a precautionary measure and all poultry and poultry products imported into St Lucia prior to the ban are considered safe and the public should not panic.

Other countries that import poultry and poultry products from the UK have implemented similar bans. Last year, St Lucia started to educate and sensitise farmers about the Avian Influenza.

Dr Joseph also indicated that the ban can last for months or years.

Print Page