HPAI confirmed in Surinamese poultry for the first time – regional implications for the sector

Suriname is confronting its first confirmed outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry, a development that marks a significant escalation in the country's animal health status and raises concerns across the Caribbean and South American regions.

The Suriname outbreak: what we know

The notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is dated 18 September and concerns a poultry operation in the Wanica District, located just south of the capital Paramaribo. The farm housed approximately 6,000 birds, and authorities observed a dramatic mortality spike—more than half of the flock died in a short period.

Initial laboratory testing confirmed influenza A, subtype H5. At the time of the first reports, additional testing at reference laboratories abroad was still needed to determine whether the strain is highly or low pathogenic, though the scale of mortality strongly pointed toward HPAI. The virus serotype remained pending further confirmation as of the initial WOAH report.

In response, Surinamese authorities implemented a full set of control measures:

• Immediate culling of remaining birds on the affected premises

• Movement restrictions and establishment of protection and surveillance zones

• Enhanced surveillance both inside and outside the restricted area

• Disinfection protocols and official disposal of carcasses, byproducts, and waste

Farm workers were tested as a precaution; to date, there are no indications of human infection. Multiple agencies—including the Ministry of Agriculture (LVV), the Food Safety Authority (BOG), and the National Coordination Centre for Disaster Management (NCCR)—are coordinating the response with support from regional partners such as PAHO.

Chile reports new HPAI case in poultry

Meanwhile, Chile has recorded another HPAI incident in poultry. Twenty-five birds in Nueva Toltén were affected by an H5N1 variant, marking the country's first confirmed poultry case since June.

Chilean authorities applied standard containment protocols, including culling, quarantine, movement and zoning restrictions, disinfection, and targeted surveillance within the restricted area. The recurrence underscores the persistent pressure the virus continues to exert on South American poultry sectors, even after months of intensive control efforts.

Uruguay and Honduras regain HPAI‑free status

In more positive news, WOAH reports that both Uruguay and Honduras have resolved their recent HPAI situations and regained their disease‑free status.

• Uruguay: The outbreak involved only wild birds, with 170 deaths recorded since 4 September. All control measures have been completed, allowing the country to restore its HPAI‑free designation.

• Honduras: Six separate outbreaks affected wild birds only, totaling 786 deaths since June. All six have been officially closed because no further mortality has been reported at the sites for more than 28 days.

These developments highlight an important pattern: while commercial poultry operations remain vulnerable, wild bird populations continue to serve as a significant reservoir and transmission vector across the Americas.

Regional ripple effects

Suriname's first HPAI confirmation in poultry has triggered heightened vigilance across neighboring territories. Barbados has already announced increased surveillance at ports of entry, though no additional import restrictions are in place at this time. Guyana has similarly raised its alert level, given the shared border and active cross‑border trade.

For regional poultry producers, feed suppliers, and logistics operators, this is a critical moment to review and reinforce biosecurity protocols:

• Strict separation between wild birds and commercial flocks, including covered feed storage and water sources

• Controlled access to poultry houses, with clear entry/exit protocols for workers and visitors

• Vehicle and equipment hygiene, especially for transporters moving between farms or regions

• Early reporting of unusual mortality, including on small-scale and backyard operations where detection can be delayed

• Coordination with authorities on transport permits, cleaning stations, and disposal procedures

What to watch next

Key questions remain as the situation develops:

• Will additional farms in Wanica or other districts test positive as surveillance expands?

• What do the pending laboratory results reveal about the specific H5 strain and its relationship to circulating variants in the region?

• Will neighboring countries introduce trade restrictions or enhanced certification requirements for Surinamese poultry products?

• How will regional organizations coordinate support for surveillance, diagnostics, and capacity building in smaller markets?

For now, the message to the sector is clear: maintain vigilance, invest in prevention, and ensure rapid communication channels are open between farms, veterinarians, and authorities. Early detection and swift action remain the most effective tools against widespread disruption.