July 08, 2025:- Chaguanas, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to inform the public about the suspicion of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) at a pig farm in North Trinidad. PRRS, also known as blue ear disease, is a serious condition affecting domestic pigs, characterized by reproductive failure (abortion, stillbirths, infertility), respiratory symptoms (pneumonia, coughing, sneezing), and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. It is important to note that PRRS is NOT a zoonotic disease and poses no threat to food safety and human health. Local pork remains safe for human consumption.

 

At this time, we are working with the suspected premises and the situation is given the highest priority regarding disease containment and investigation.

 

A nationwide surveillance program on pig farms has been implemented by our veterinary team to determine if/how far the disease has spread. We are still awaiting country-wide results, which will determine our course of action for this situation.

 

Our Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is well equipped to carry out the required testing locally.

 

Pig farmers should use this time to enhance the biosecurity practices on their premises. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring only healthy pigs with proper records are allowed to enter your farms
• Quarantine of new stock for at least 3 weeks
• Placing wheel baths at the entrance of premises and foot baths (containing bleach [1 part bleach to 9 parts water] or any other broad spectrum virucidal disinfectant at the recommended dilution/concentration) at the entrance of each pen/section
• Sanitizing all vehicles and personnel prior to entry
• Do not allow non-essential visitors on the premises
• Keeping records of all personnel and visitors
• Keeping premises as clean as possible
• Ensuring pest control measures are in place
• Avoid sharing equipment between farms

 

It is important to note that pork meat remains safe for human consumption, as PRRS has not been shown to cause illness in humans. However, pigs should not be fed pork meat, as they can become infected with the disease via this practice.

 

If pigs are displaying signs of illness and/or mortality, do not sell or purchase these animals, and contact your county Veterinary Officer as soon as possible during the hours 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday and they will advise accordingly.

 

County Offices Contact:

• George East (Wallerfield) – 220-6253 Ext. 5078
• George West – 662-5986
• Caroni – 671-1861
• Patrick – 647-8871
• Victoria/Nariva/Mayaro – 665-8410/665-3428
• Andrews – 668-2712

 

 

– END –

June 18, 2025:-  Chaguanas, Trinidad – Yesterday (June 17, 2025), Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, along with the Honourable Saddam Hosein, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, distributed letters of appointment to a freshly installed Board of Directors of the Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD).

 

The EMBD, a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and productivity of land development and management in Trinidad and Tobago. The EMBD is responsible for managing both residential and agricultural lands, and aims to ensure sustainable land use practices that contribute to the nation’s food security.

 

The newly appointed Board of Directors includes:

• Mr. Rahendra Seemungal – Director
• Mr. Lester S. Chariah – Director
• Mr. Darren Garner – Director (who will receive his letter of appointment at a subsequent date)

 

Together, these board members bring a strong complement of experience and proficiency across key sectors aligned with the EMBD’s expanding mandate. As custodians of the EMBD’s development agenda, the Board will be instrumental in shaping policy, guiding land management initiatives, and advancing sustainable land use practices in support of national food security and socio-economic development.

 

Expressing his confidence in the newly appointed board, Minister Ratiram stated, “The appointment of the new EMBD Board of Directors represents a vital step in advancing the Government’s agenda for sustainable land management and agricultural development. I am confident that this team’s collective expertise and vision will strengthen the EMBD’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and positively impact communities across Trinidad and Tobago.”

 

Following the appointment, Minister Ratiram, together with Minister Hosein and other senior Ministry officials, engaged the new Board of Directors in strategic discussions aimed at enhancing the function of the EMBD in delivering its mandate.

 

The Ministry remains committed to advancing the EMBD as a leading agency, working collaboratively with key state entities to deliver professional, transparent, and ethical services for the benefit of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

– END –