Cayman Islands confirms bird flu case on Grand Cayman farm

The Cayman Islands Government has confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza, or bird flu, in an animal on a Grand Cayman farm, triggering an immediate, islandwide response involving several government agencies.

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In a November 28 statement, officials said the detection was made after a number of dead turkeys were discovered at the location, with laboratory tests confirming the virus in a single bird.

Hazard Management Cayman Islands is leading a coordinated operation involving the relevant ministries, the Department of Agriculture, Public Health Department, Department of Environment, Department of Environmental Health (DEH), Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Cayman Islands Regiment, and other partners.

Containment measures have already begun. Police have established cordons around the affected farm, while teams carry out epidemiological sampling, waste control, removal of potentially contaminated biological material — including affected soil — feral chicken control, and targeted culling where required. Farmers are being contacted directly, and strict biosecurity protocols are now in place under public health supervision.

Acting Minister in the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Honourable Nickolas DaCosta, said the government is moving quickly to manage the situation. “Our government is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and has mobilised all necessary resources to contain and manage this situation swiftly. The health and safety of all Caymanians and our agricultural sector is our top priority, and we are working across agencies to ensure a coordinated response,” he said. He encouraged farmers to stay alert, report unusual illness or deaths in their livestock, and maintain strong biosecurity measures. “By working together and remaining vigilant, we can contain this effectively.”

Avian influenza primarily affects birds, and while transmission to humans is possible, it typically requires close contact with an infected animal. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hilary Wolf reassured the public that the broader risk remains minimal. “It is important for the general public to know that the risk of avian influenza to the general population remains low,” she said. “That said, members of the public should keep their distance from wild birds — including feral chickens — and avoid contact with any sick or dead wild animals.”

There are currently no confirmed human cases in the Cayman Islands. Health officials note that symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, generally appear four to six days after exposure. These include fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath and conjunctivitis.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez confirmed that precautionary steps are underway for anyone who may have been exposed. “All individuals who may have been exposed to the infected animals have been started in prophylaxis antiviral medication,” he said. He added that the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory can test for avian flu and deliver results in under 24 hours.

Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks noted the broader implications of the incident. “This situation highlights the importance of not only recognising the interconnectedness between human, animal and environmental health, but also working collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcome for all,” she said. She urged the community to practice good hygiene, especially as the festive season approaches. “Please make sure you are practicing basic hygiene, such as handwashing, and you’re continuing to properly prepare and cook poultry, meat and eggs before consuming them.”

Officials also emphasized the ongoing safety of food on the local market. Acting DEH Director Michael Haworth said his department monitors all foods from source to sale. “The Department of Environmental Health ensures that all foods that are deemed unfit for human consumption are condemned and destroyed,” he said, noting that DEH officers handle proper disposal to prevent unsafe products from re-entering the food chain.

Authorities are urging the public to follow key health and safety recommendations: avoid contact with sick or dead animals; wash hands frequently; ensure poultry and dairy products are fully cooked or pasteurised; and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms after potential exposure.