National

Bahamas Managing Bird Flu Concerns

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The United States is in the throes of the worst outbreaks of bird flu since 2015, sending poultry prices skyrocketing.

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2022

Marlena Leonard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The United States is in the throes of the worst outbreaks of bird flu since 2015, with reports coming out of the cost of certain poultry per pound increasing 70-120%.

But, has the Bahamian poultry industry been affected by the crisis? We spoke to the agricultural minister and a local poultry farmer to learn more.

The U.S. is seeing record numbers of bird flu cases and in many areas its consequences are being felt in the checkout aisle with the price of some poultry items soaring.

Part owner and Operations Manager of Abaco big bird poultry farm Lance Pinder explained because of the way bird flu is transmitted he’s not too concerned about it affecting poultry populations in The Bahamas.

Because of the crisis, Pinder says he’s had to source eggs as far away as Belgium. But, he explained that some industry members are working on a long-term plan.

We also asked Agriculture Minister Clay Sweeting for updates on how the crisis could possibly impact Bahamian grocery prices.