Cayman Islands Confirms Infectious Coryza Outbreak in Poultry Flocks, Launches Vaccination and Biosecurity Response
核心洞察
The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture (搜索) has confirmed outbreaks of infectious coryza (搜索), a highly contagious poultry respiratory disease caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum (搜索), across multiple chicken flocks in the territory.
Officials emphasize the disease poses no risk to human health and does not make poultry meat or eggs unsafe for consumption, though egg production losses of 10–40% are expected.
The government is procuring infectious coryza (搜索) vaccines for local farmers, while providing access to broad-spectrum antibiotics and urging strengthened biosecurity measures.
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture (搜索) (DoA) has confirmed outbreaks of infectious coryza (搜索), a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting poultry, in an undisclosed number of chicken flocks across the territory. Officials moved quickly to reassure the public that the disease poses no risk to human health and does not render poultry meat or eggs unsafe to eat.
The disease, caused by the bacterium Avibacterium paragallinarum (搜索), affects only birds and is characterized by swelling of the face and wattles, foul-smelling nasal and ocular discharge, sneezing, and lethargy. While mortality among adult birds is generally low, the economic impact can be substantial: egg production losses range between 10% and 40%, and feed intake is significantly reduced.
Transmission and Carrier Risk
Infectious coryza (搜索) spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected birds, including those that have recovered. The DoA noted that recovered birds often remain lifelong carriers of the bacterium, capable of infecting healthy flocks long after clinical signs have resolved. The disease can also be transmitted through contaminated feed, water, clothing, footwear, equipment, and transport vehicles, as well as over short distances via airborne droplets in poorly ventilated poultry houses.
Treatment and Supportive Care
Affected flocks can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, which the DoA's veterinary team will make available following confirmed diagnosis. However, officials cautioned that antibiotic treatment reduces symptom severity and helps restore productivity but does not eliminate the carrier state. Farmers are also being encouraged to provide vitamins and electrolytes in drinking water and to maintain clean, dry housing to support recovery.
Vaccination and Biosecurity Measures
The government is procuring vaccines specifically targeting infectious coryza (搜索), which will be made available to local farmers once imported. The DoA's Veterinary Services team will provide guidance, dosage instructions, and training on vaccine administration to ensure effective use.
In parallel, the department is urging poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity protocols, including disinfecting footwear and equipment, isolating new birds for at least 30 days, separating sick birds from healthy flocks, and limiting visitor access to poultry facilities.
Official Response
"The Department of Agriculture is working proactively to support our poultry farmers through surveillance, treatment access and upcoming vaccination efforts," said Director of Agriculture Wilbur Welcome. "Our priority remains safeguarding local food production while equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to manage and prevent the spread within their flocks."
The DoA is advising all poultry producers to closely monitor their flocks for respiratory symptoms and to report suspected cases promptly to Veterinary Services to facilitate testing and treatment.