Chicken Virus Alert in Guácimo, Limón
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal del Ministerio de la Producción informs us that the virus known as "Laringotraqueítis infecciosa" (infectious laringotraqueitis) that killed 40 chickens last week in Guácimo is no threat as the virus is not transmitted to humans.

Gerardo Vicente, director of the Servicio, assures us that consumers of poultry products cannot contract the virus that has caused serious respiratory problems and deaths with the birds. "People can eat the meat and eggs without worry" said Vicente.

The director added that the deaths by the virus meant sacrificing 600 chickens from the same farm, located in Mercedes de Guácimo, in the province of Limón. The destruction of the animals was a preventive measure as the chickens displayed similar symptoms as that of "bird flu".

"The virus had never been detected in the country and serves as a warning to reinforce the bio-security in all farms. Fortunately the break out occurred in a remote area and are sure that the virus did not extend to neighbouring farms, though we cannot guarantee that", said Vicente, who stressed that the public need not worry and they can continue to consume poultry products without fear of infection.

Officials of the Ministerio de la Producción have not yet identified the source fo the virus, however they are working on three theory.

The first theory is that the chickens affected by the virus were given an illegal vaccine which was brought illegally into the country and containing the virus strain. The second theory is the possibility of a wild bird carrying the virus came into contact with the chickens by was of excrement. And finally, someone from the area could have visited a country where there virus was present and brought it in through their clothing or shoes.

Alejandro Hernández, president of the Cámara Nacional de Avicultores, added that his group is co-operating fully with the Ministerio de la Producción to identify the origin of the virus. "What is important here is that the Laringotraqueítis is not a virus that is transmitted to humans. And if by chance the outbreak extended outside the Limón province we have the option to vaccinate the birds in the farms and in now way will restrict the commercialization of poultry meat and eggs", said Hernández.

Hernández added that the country is prepared to confront an epidemic and emphasized the success of the programs of early detection and eradication of diseases when they are discovered.