Suriname has detected H5 avian influenza after a sharp increase in chicken deaths at a poultry farm in Wanica. Authorities began investigating after unusually high numbers of broiler chickens died over the past week.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries said several samples tested positive for influenza A, type H5. However, further laboratory testing will determine the specific variant. It will also show whether the virus is highly pathogenic or low pathogenic.

The affected farm has about 6,000 chickens. More than half of the birds have reportedly died.

Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim said Suriname had worked for years to prevent avian influenza from entering the country. He noted that the disease had not been detected there for an extended period.

Authorities Trace Possible Spread

The Veterinary Service worked with the Bureau of Public Health to test samples. Dr. Karg, deputy director of the Veterinary Service, confirmed that several samples tested positive for H5.

Authorities have now started source and contact tracing. They are also investigating whether the virus reached other poultry operations.

A team travelled to Commewijne after authorities learned that chickens from the affected Wanica farm had been transported there. Investigators are checking whether the movement of the birds led to further spread.

Meanwhile, the Veterinary Service has introduced measures to contain infections and limit transmission to other poultry farms.

Authorities have also urged poultry farmers to report sudden or unusual increases in bird deaths immediately.

Border Controls Tightened

Officials noted that high temperatures can contribute to chicken deaths. However, the speed and scale of the recent losses led authorities to conduct further testing.

Suriname had already taken steps to reduce the risk of avian influenza entering the country. For example, authorities restricted imports of hatching eggs from affected areas of Europe.

In addition, officials have seized poultry products brought into the country without the required authorization. Authorities ordered those products destroyed.

Border controls will now become stricter. Enhanced measures will also apply in eastern Suriname.

The response includes the Agriculture Ministry, Bureau of Public Health, National Coordination Center for Disaster Management, Pan American Health Organization and other local partners.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, mainly affects birds. Some strains cause mild illness. However, highly pathogenic forms can spread quickly and cause severe disease and large numbers of deaths among poultry.