by YVETTE BEST

CROP-OVER will present a challenge to the systems set-up to help prevent Avian Influenza (bird flu).

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Frederick Forde said yesterday the importation of feathers for costumes could be problematic.

"I am therefore appealing to entrepreneurs and the general public to follow the laws of Barbados at all times, especially with regard to the importation of animal and plant products," Forde said.

He added that a number of plant pests had been brought into the island recently and some via the smuggling route.

Forde was delivering the feature address at the opening of a four-day workshop, Caribbean Workshop On Risk Communication And Social Networking Preparedness And Response To AI/HPI, at Manor Lodge, St Michael, facilitated by UNICEF.

He said bird flu posed a significant threat to food security and Barbados could not allow the disease to affect poultry, which was highly consumed locally.

Although most of the poultry consumed is produced locally, Forde said, there were strict controls on all bird products, including feathers.

"The veterinary services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development immediately bans all imports from the affected area, until it is safe to resume trade," Forde said.

He identified migratory birds as another source of infection, and while it was difficult to control, he said, regional authorities needed to put proper surveillance mechanisms in place for early detection.

Tom Olsen, UNICEF representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the workshop was part of the UNICEF response to Avian Flu and other emergencies.

Bird flu came close to home in December last year, with more than 100 confirmed cases in the Dominican Republic.

"It gives us time, like we are trying to do with this workshop, to educate . . . . I strongly believe that the media have a key role to play in terms of making sure the right message comes out at the right time, and in a proper manner," Olsen said.