In response to reports of bird flu being found in cattle in several states in the United States, the Cayman Islands is implementing import restrictions on unpasteurised dairy products.
Anyone importing unpasteurised items must now apply for and secure an import permit, according to a government announcement on Friday afternoon.
The statement noted that a number of government departments and private sector bodies had “initiated a concerted effort to mitigate the potential impacts of this virus on the Cayman Islands”.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is caused by the HPAI A (H5N1) virus. Traditionally a disease affecting birds, this outbreak marks the first reported instances of the virus in cows.
This poses “unique challenges”, the government said in the statement.
According to the latest reports by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as reports of bird flu in cattle, there have also been three reports of bird flu in humans following exposure to dairy cows this year, between 1 April and 29 May.
As of Friday, 21 June, the CDC reported, cows have been found with bird flu in 12 US states – Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan and North Carolina. Since April, there have been 112 confirmed cases of cattle herds with the virus across those dozen states.
The statement from the Cayman Islands government noted that transmission of the virus can occur through contact with contaminated blood, organs or bodily fluids of infected poultry, and during food preparation or handling.
It added that the Cayman Islands is considered to be at low risk for avian flu.
Closing the unpasturised products gap
Local food importers have confirmed they only import pasteurised products into the Cayman Islands, government said. But officials agreed to close the gap on potential unpasteurised imports.
“As such, the Department of Agriculture will require an import permit for the importation of unpasteurised products in an effort to bridge this gap and better safeguard the public,” the statement noted.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent said, “As of today, there is no evidence of risk from meat products imported from the USA. However, it is important to note the Cayman Islands’ surveillance system now has the capability to conduct in-island testing for the H5N1 virus.
“This enhances the existing infrastructure to monitor and detect potential cases of the Avian Influenza, ensuring timely and effective responses.”
Agriculture minister Jay Ebanks added in the statement, “In response to the import permit for all unpasteurised milk products, the public can soon expect clarity on the personal and commercial import threshold allowed, as guidelines will be developed to govern the importation of unpasteurised milk products.”
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