Containment Efforts Continue Following H5N1 Avian Flu Detection

Government teams continued coordinated containment and monitoring activities on Sunday 30 November, following the confirmed detection of H5N1 Avian Influenza in a limited number of birds at a farm in West Bay. Samples collected from various birds on the farm tested positive for H5N1. All remaining poultry at the site have been removed, and all carcasses are being managed and disposed of in accordance with established public and animal health protocols.

Routine surveillance and sampling continued today across farms and nearby areas, including checks by the Department of Agriculture. Teams are also responding to reports received from the public as part of standard monitoring procedures. These checks do not indicate any additional confirmed sites at this time.

Out of an abundance of caution, additional sanitisation measures in some areas of West Bay. These steps are purely preventative and do not indicate a positive case at these locations. Vehicles and footwear are being disinfected before exiting the area in order to reduce the risk of spread. Members of the public are asked to follow all instructions at these points and to allow extra time if travelling through the area.

Public Health has confirmed that there continue to be no human cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza in the Cayman Islands. Individuals who had direct involvement in initial response work have been tested and all results to date have been negative. The overall risk to the general public remains low.