Cayman Islands Confirms Bird Flu
Authorities in the Cayman Islands have confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza at a West Bay farm, prompting a cross‑government response that includes culling, surveillance and strict biosecurity controls. BVI residents and poultry owners are urged to report sick or dead birds, increase on‑farm biosecurity and expect possible delays at controlled zones.
The Cayman Islands has detected avian influenza after several turkeys were found dead at a Cemetery Road farm in West Bay. The first case was confirmed on Friday, 28 November 2025; testing the following day identified seven more infected birds. Officials say all remaining poultry on the site have been removed and carcasses are being handled under strict public and animal health procedures.
A cross‑government response is being led by Hazard Management Cayman Islands and includes the Department of Agriculture, Public Health, the Department of Environment, the Department of Environmental Health, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the Cayman Islands Regiment. Authorities moved quickly to seal off the farm with RCIPS‑enforced cordons, put in place tight biosecurity measures and carried out surveillance, sample collection, removal of contaminated waste and soil, and targeted culling and feral bird control.
The Department of Agriculture has depopulated animals within the affected area, expanded monitoring in surrounding zones and collected samples for laboratory analysis. The Department of Environmental Health collected suspected carcasses and remaining poultry on Sunday, 30 November, and disposed of them by incineration to limit further contamination.
So far, no other infected sites have been confirmed. Officials have also set up enhanced sanitisation points in parts of West Bay as a precaution — stressing that this does not mean the virus has been found in those areas. Disinfection of vehicles and footwear is under way, access to farms is restricted, and anyone entering controlled areas must follow disinfection and protective protocols.
Members of the public have been asked to comply with instructions and to expect possible delays when passing through controlled areas. Acting minister Nickolas DaCosta said the government is treating the matter "with the utmost seriousness," urging farmers to monitor animals closely and report unexplained illness or deaths immediately.
Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Health Michael Haworth emphasised that DEH officers ensure foods unfit for human consumption are condemned and destroyed. As of 30 November there were no confirmed human cases in the Cayman Islands; public health officials remind residents that symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulties.
What this means for the BVI: while there is no current evidence of spread to these islands, poultry owners should review biosecurity — limit access to flocks, disinfect footwear and vehicles, avoid contact with wild or feral birds and report unusual deaths to local veterinary or public health authorities.
Regionally, avian flu has disrupted supplies and pushed up prices in recent years, so residents should also be prepared for possible regional supply effects and follow official guidance on food safety and animal movement.
Primary source: VINO