Producers acted correctly in dealing with the suspected outbreak, industry CEO Armando Cowo told Channel 7 News, noting that he was relieved to hear about the confirmation.

As painful as the economic cost may be, it was better to err on the side of caution, said the official from the Agriculture Ministry, which estimated losses of 30,000 birds in three farms.

The value of the slaughtered animals is more than 100,000 dollars, but the damage in the whole process is much greater, Cowo added.

By law, the head of the industry can offer, at his discretion, compensation, he explained, adding that they intend to change in the future to encourage producers to report these problems instead of assuming the losses.

Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture expects supply to be available in December to meet expected demand in line with Christmas and New Year.

This influenza caused by type A virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family is an infectious disease affecting birds, and can sbe pread from farm to farm through the movement of infected animals or equipment as well as through contact between migratory and domestic birds.

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