H5N1 Avian Flu Update

The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure and Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, provide the following update on the ongoing response to H5N1 avian flu in Grand Cayman:

To date, there have been eight samples where H5N1 Avian Influenza has been detected. Species detected positive include chicken, turkey, quail, farmed ducks, wild whistling duck and goose, all at the affected site. There are no confirmed human cases.

Government teams continue coordinated containment and monitoring activities today, including:

• Daily farm checks and follow-up assessments at sites within and around the control zone.
• Precautionary disinfection measures to reduce risk of spread, including vehicle and footwear sanitisation in the affected area.
• Response to public reports of sick or dead birds as part of routine surveillance.

Important reminder: Members of the public should not place dead or dying poultry or any animals in public trash bins. Please contact the Department of Agriculture for guidance on proper disposal via the DoA’s Avian Influenza Hotline at 916-7146, 947-3090 (press 0), or submit the Poultry Health Report via https://arcg.is/10jfDP1

Pet owners are reminded to keep pets away from wild birds and carcasses. Owners should contact their pets’ veterinarian should pets become ill, remembering to isolate sick pets and make contact before transporting pets to a clinic.

Risk to the general public remains low and all actions are being taken out of an abundance of caution to protect community health and animal safety.