TT Chamber praises Govt on poultry ban

In a statement, the chamber singled out the Ministries of Health and Agriculture for special commendation for "their strong position regarding the importation of all poultry and poultry by-products from countries which are at a high risk for the Avian Influenza (bird flu) virus. These steps are absolutely critical to protecting the health of the citizens of TT and the local poultry industry which the virus has the potential to severely affect. We support any measure which is necessary to remove the risk of this virus being introduced into our country," said Chamber president Christian Mouttet.

Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall, Health Minister John Rahael announced temporary restrictions being placed on the importation of all poultry products and by-products in light of the global threat of bird flu. Rahael said the Health and Agriculture Ministries were taking all the necessary precautions to prevent bird flu from entering TT, including the acquisition of the proper medicine to treat persons affected by the disease.

The latest concerns about bird flu stemmed from the arrival in TT of a container from China which contained suspect bird feathers. The container was supposed to be fumigated and shipped back to China. Rahael said he did not foresee a chicken shortage because of the ban on poultry imports and hoped the issue would be resolved soon. On Thursday, the Manufacturers Association expressed its support for any measures taken to prevent the outbreak of bird flu in TT.