Swine virus outbreak in Trinidad prompts vigilance

Barbadian authorities stepped up surveillance and biosecurity measures after a deadly virus swept through a pig farm in Trinidad, but the officials insisted the outbreak currently poses no threat to the swine industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture remained on alert on Wednesday following confirmation of a deadly outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Trinidad.

But in a statement to Barbados TODAY on Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir gave assurances the island’s pig population remains safe. The virus—commonly known as “blue ear disease”—is not a threat to humans and cannot be contracted through the consumption of pork, he said.

The disease, which has devastated at least one Trinidadian pig farm, spreads easily among swine through direct contact and bodily fluids.

“Transmission of the virus occurs through direct contact between pigs and via bodily fluids such as urine, faeces, and nasal secretions. Importantly, it is not transmitted through the consumption of pork,” Weir explained.

While Barbados does not import pork from Trinidad, border protocols remain strict and veterinary authorities are closely monitoring developments in the region, he added.

Weir said: “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain confident that, with the maintenance of strict border biosecurity protocols, there is no current threat to our local pig population.”

Still, the ministry said it was preparing for all possibilities. Farmers will be informed on early warning signs and encouraged to report any suspicious symptoms.

“We will engage and sensitise pig farmers across the country, equipping them with the knowledge to recognise the symptoms of the disease, strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms, and promptly report any suspected cases to the relevant authorities,” Weir said. “Our collective vigilance is key to protecting our livestock industry.”

His comments follow confirmation from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Agriculture earlier this week that PRRS has resurfaced in that country, with 264 pigs set to be culled and buried at a farm after testing positive for the virus on July 21.

The infected herd belonged to farmer Brian Maturine, whose animals are estimated to be worth TT$700 000 or about $208 549. The outbreak in Wallerfield in northern Trinidad comes just weeks after the ministry confirmed another PRRS detection in early July and marks the second outbreak in as many years. In 2023, the disease was found on a farm in south Trinidad.

Wallerfield, located about 34 miles east of the capital Port of Spain,  is a key pork-producing area with more than 40 pig farmers, and over 100 registered pig farmers operate nationally.

According to the Trinidad Guardian newspaper, the outbreak has prompted immediate containment measures. A letter from Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Lisa Musai confirmed that Maturine’s farm had been declared an infected zone.

PRRS affects pigs’ reproductive and respiratory systems, often causing abortions, piglet mortality, fever, and breathing difficulties. Though harmless to humans, it can be spread through contaminated clothing, equipment, and vehicles – making strict on-farm biosecurity vital.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb