The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) has increased its efforts to monitor and prevent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in the Izabal department. Technical training was provided to staff from Rural Extension and the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP).
This training session took place in Puerto Barrios, Izabal, and was led by MAGA technicians through the National Poultry Health Program (PROSA), part of the Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations (VISAR). Participants were instructed on early detection, notification procedures, and sanitary control measures for potential outbreaks of this highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds.
According to MAGA, avian influenza can cause significant economic losses in the poultry sector. The ministry plays a key role in supervising, controlling, and monitoring animal health across Guatemala. It coordinates sample collection and sends them to official or MAGA-certified laboratories to confirm or rule out the presence of the virus.
“These actions reaffirm our institutional commitment to national food security and animal health for the benefit of Guatemala’s population,” stated MAGA.
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