Suriname faces avian flu outbreak and river contamination

Suriname is facing dual food safety crises involving avian influenza and water contamination. In Wanica, an outbreak of influenza A type H5 has caused the death of over half of approximately 6,000 chickens at a poultry farm. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) is working with the Association of Poultry Sector Suriname (APSS) to strengthen biosecurity and assess damages. Officials have sent samples abroad to determine if the virus is a highly or low pathogenic variant.

Simultaneously, mass fish deaths and chemical contamination have been reported in the Saramacca River. Investigations by the National Environmental Authority (NMA) found cyanide, heavy metals, and other chemicals in the water, linked to activities near Moeroekreek. Authorities have advised against consuming fish from the area or using the river water, noting that contaminated fish may already have entered the commercial supply chain through various villages.

Government agencies, including the Bureau for Public Health (BOG) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), are involved in monitoring the situation. While human samples tested negative for the avian flu, officials emphasize the need for better registration and traceability of food products to ensure public safety.