The Agriculture Ministry says while a pig farm in Trinidad has tested positive for PRRS, local pork remains safe for consumption.
PRRS or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, is a contagious viral disease that affects pigs.
The Ministry advises however that it poses no risk to human health, with no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to people.
It says following confirmation of the disease on the farm, a national emergency response plan was activated to support the affected farmer and safeguard the long-term viability of the pork industry.
The current policy is focused on disease eradication at the infected farm, with plans also underway for a humane depopulation and carcass disposal exercise in accordance with international best practice.
The planned depopulation exercise will involve the humane slaughter of all pigs on the affected farm, though the rate and timing of depopulation will depend on the availability and suitability of a disposal site for the carcasses.
The Ministry says while on-site burial is the recommended method for carcass disposal, an environmental assessment determined that the affected farm is not suitable for this approach.
Several alternative locations have since been examined, with the Ministry continuing to engage with key agencies to identify a viable disposal site.
National surveillance efforts are also continuing – 345 diagnostic samples collected from 36 pig farms across the country, with a focus on high-density pig farming areas.
Efforts are also being made to update the national pig registry and strengthen disease tracking through detailed mapping of pig farms.
At the regional and international levels, the Ministry says it has engaged in technical cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization and veterinary experts from UWI to ensure the local response is informed by global best practice.
As part of its long-term strategy, the Ministry is reviewing protocols for the importation of live animals and genetic material, exploring the feasibility of PRRS vaccination or eradication programmes and promoting sustainable herd health initiatives to build greater resilience within the pork industry.
