The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has praised the Cayman Islands for its “swift containment” and “coordinated action” in responding to an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1).
The outbreak, which was limited to a single poultry farm in Grand Cayman, put national preparedness to the test and provided important lessons for the Caribbean region.
PAHO credited the successful response to local genomic sequencing performed by the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory and a multisectoral One Health framework.
Following the detection of influenza A(H5) by PCR, authorities placed the affected farm under quarantine and killed about 65 birds within 48 hours.
Control zones of three and 10 kilometres were established to restrict movement, while the birds’ carcasses were incinerated and the premises disinfected.
“The Cayman Islands’ experience demonstrates how early detection and genomic surveillance, combined with coordinated, cross-sectoral action, can effectively contain emerging respiratory threats,” PAHO said in a press release on 18 March.
Public health authorities monitored individuals exposed to the infected birds daily for 10 days, providing post-exposure prophylaxis where indicated.
No human cases of the virus were identified.
Epidemiological assessments suggest the virus was likely introduced by migratory waterfowl.
PAHO noted that several factors contributed to the successful containment.
Among those were prior investment in laboratory capacity, availability of personal protective equipment, and strong collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and Hazard Management.
While praising the response, the regional health body noted opportunities to further refine communication templates and review legal frameworks to facilitate rapid movement controls in the future.
