CAYMAN ISLANDS | Health officials monitor H5 avian flu

GEORGE TOWN (CMC):

Officials from the agriculture and health ministries have confirmed that H5 avian flu has been detected in animals on a farm here, and immediate coordinated action is being taken to address the situation.

In a press release, the ministries said all relevant government agencies are urgently working with stakeholders to implement containment measures, conduct further assessment, and prevent any spread.

“The health and safety of our community, livestock and environment remain our highest priority. Government is committed to transparency throughout this process and will provide regular updates as investigation and response efforts progress,” officials stated.

Despite the claim of transparency, officials did not name the farm, say what type of farm it is or where on Grand Cayman it is located.

It is also not known the type of animal infected or how many. While the virus is mostly found in chickens and other birds, it can infect many other animals, including cattle, goats and pigs.

Avian flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide, causing outbreaks in poultry farms and dairy cows across the United States, with some sporadic human cases among those working on impacted farms.