Official Update on Recent Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Outbreak

August 2, 2024:-  Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to provide an important update regarding the recent outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

 

The affected premises remain under strict quarantine and are being managed to ensure the situation is contained. We have implemented extensive country-wide surveillance, and thus far, all test results received have been negative for PRRS, African Swine Fever, and Classical Swine Fever. Testing is ongoing in various regions, and we anticipate having complete results soon. We will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.

 

It is important to note, we have received significant support both locally and internationally since this issue was identified. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Veterinary Services of Chile have been providing technical response assistance. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the West Indies (SVM, UWI) has supplied essential materials and supplies, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has offered emergency funding.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries would like to once again reassure our citizens that locally produced pork remains safe to consume. PRRS does not pose a food safety risk and is not harmful to humans.

 

We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we continue to address this situation with diligence and transparency. For further inquiries or updates, please refer to official communications from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

 

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