The veterinary authority sent an Immediate Notification dated 23 January 2015 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The affected birds were broiler breeders in what is described as a "village flock" of 17,400 at Spanish Lookout in the Cayo district.

The birds were aged 22, 38 and 39 weeks, and 11,572 tested positive for the virus on 3 December, according to the report. The affected flocks have not shown any clinical signs.

All breeder flocks are routinely sampled for avian influenza under the Belize Poultry Improvement Plan Avian Influenza Programme. Hence affected flocks were detected under routine monitoring as there are no clinical signs associated with the event. Spanish Lookout is a major poultry production area in Belize and has 14 breeder flocks with a total of 63,800 birds and an unknown number of layer flocks and broilers.

The presence of the H5N2 subtype of the virus has been confirmed.

The following control measures have been put in place: control of wildlife reservoirs; quarantine; movement control inside the country; screening; vaccination is prohibited and there is no treatment of affected animals.

Zoning, disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s) and modified stamping out are to be applied.