Belmopan. November 22, 2021. 4:16 p.m.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise informs residents and poultry farmers residing along the Faber’s Road Extension that officers from the Belize Agriculture Department will be administering vaccines to poultry and other domesticated birds against the Newcastle disease this week.
The administering of vaccines is an emergency control measure implemented in the infected and control areas. In September, there were reports of two outbreaks of virulent Newcastle disease in backyard poultry in small areas of the Toledo District and Belize City.
Newcastle disease is caused by a virulent strain of paramyxovirus which can be spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected birds. Vaccines for backyard poultry for the rest of the country will subsequently be made available through commercial outlets.
It is essential that all poultry owners follow good biosecurity practices to help protect their birds from infectious diseases. These include simple measures such as washing hands and scrubbing boots before and after entering a chicken coop or barn, cleaning and disinfecting tires and equipment before moving them off the property, and separating sick and vaccinated birds.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Miguel Balan
Acting District Agriculture Officer
205-5087
