Bird flu outbreak in Belize

A major outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza, known as bird flu, in Mexico has resulted in, Belize Agricultural Health Authority putting the country on a national poultry health alert.

Border controls along the Belize/Mexico border are being strengthened and precautionary measures are being taken. Poultry farmers, especially those in border areas, are being asked to step up their biosecurity measures.

The disease reportedly rarely affects humans and requires direct contact with sick birds.

In humans, the disease causes conjunctivitis and mild flu symptoms.

The outbreak in Mexico started last month in three commercial poultry layer farms in the central state of Jaliscoover one million birds are believed to be susceptible across the three farms.

Over 200,000 have already died from the outbreak. A further 60,000 have been destroyed.

The sick birds showed signs of weakness, poor alertness, difficulty in breathing, were lying on their sides and had drooping wings prior to death.