Confirmed Cases of H5N1 in Honduras and Mexico Pose Threat to Belize’s Poultry Industry

Dr. Joe Anthony Meyer

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority has issued an advisory informing the public that confirmed cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1, has been detected in pelicans on the coast of Puerto Cortes and La Ceiba, Honduras. According to the advisory, additional cases have been confirmed in Yucatan, Mexico, in November 2022. Given the proximity of the infected areas to Belize, the threat level has been increased to high. We spoke with Doctor Joe Anthony Meyers, the Interim Chief Vet Officer at BAHA, about what this means for Belize’s poultry industry.

On the phone: Dr. Joe Anthony Meyers, Interim Chief Vet Officer, BAHA

“There is a precedent that has been set so to speak. We have been conducting surveillance for avian influenza since 2001. That is the reason we were able to detect avian influenza in 2015 in a timely manner and likewise eradicate the disease. We base our practices and procedures and early detection and quick eradication. So, we have been very vigilant with the happenings around the world, the occurrences of avian influenza and we see it coming, getting nearer to our country. In November, we still have cases in Yucatan Mexico which is near to Belize. Recently, we were informed of outbreaks in Puerto Cortes in Honduras and so it is very close for comfort and we have then tightened our state of alert or preparedness so to speak.”