SVG puts immediate ban on various meat products

A ban has been placed, with immediate effect, on the importation of various meat products into this country. The ban follows the second outbreak of the Foot and Mouth disease in England.

The outbreak, which was confirmed on 3rd August in the United Kingdom, and has led to the destruction of an entire herd of cows on a farm in Surrey, England, is deemed to pose a threat to the livestock here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

The ban was announced by Minister of Agriculture Montgomery Daniel at a press conference on Wednesday, August 8th 2007 at Cabinet room.

The products and livestock banned include animals such as cattle, sheep, goat and pigs, fresh frozen and chilled beef, pork, mutton, lamb, any pickled or smoked products of such meats and hay, porridge or straw as well as dairy products and those containing un-pasteurized milk.

Livestock such as dogs, cats, horses, birds poultry products and carefully pasteurized milk products were declared safe from the disease. However, it was advised that poultry be processed and cooked at 70 degrees centigrade for a minimum of thirty seconds or products should be salted and dried to prevent the transmission of the virus.

The Minister stated that pests and diseases like Foot and Mouth will affect countries significantly due to trade liberalization and the increase migration resulting from tourism across the region; however the government is making an attempt to strengthen the Plant and Animal Quarantines to prevent and control the transmission of diseases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

While stating that produce already present in the country faced no threat of the disease, the Minister suggested that the disease would affect the availability of meat products in the country.

However, to assist with the maintenance of Food Security in the country, other regional territories have been called upon. The Minister explained that Brazil, which has exported its products to other territories could be a possible supply for meat products if traders negotiate appropriate trading arrangements.

In addition, discussions are in the making between The Ministry of Agriculture and Cuba to import the Sebony breed of livestock. The Ministry is also looking into increasing the level of poultry and goat production.

When asked about the estimated time frame on controlling the spread of the disease, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Malika Glasgow stated that she was unsure due to the highly infectious nature of the disease. She however stated that two known cases had been reported in the United Kingdom and they are awaiting feedback to detemine the severity of the outbreak to decide whether or not the restrictions on products should be lifted.

The Minister called on the general public to play its part and support their endeavours.