Belize and regional partners strengthen Agricultural Disease surveillance

By Zoila Palma:  Belize and other member countries of the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA) have agreed to strengthen regional surveillance and coordination to protect agricultural production and trade from emerging diseases and pests. The agreement was reached during the 97th Extraordinary Meeting of the International Regional Committee for Agricultural Health (CIRSA) held today in Guatemala City.

The meeting brought together Ministers of Agriculture and other senior representatives from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Belize was represented by Luis Alex Balona, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries. The meeting was chaired by Guatemala’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, María Fernanda Rivera.

Among the major agricultural health threats discussed were African Swine Fever, Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Regional authorities noted that these diseases can cross borders and cause significant impacts on agricultural production and international trade. To address the risks, countries agreed to maintain constant surveillance and strengthen standardized prevention and response protocols, particularly at borders, ports and airports.

The meeting also examined the growing impact of extreme weather events on agricultural health. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures can create favourable conditions for the emergence and spread of pests and diseases, making regional cooperation increasingly important. Authorities emphasized that coordinated action is essential to protect farmers and the communities that depend on healthy and resilient agricultural systems.

CIRSA members also reviewed efforts to strengthen OIRSA as a regional institution, including progress toward approving its 2026–2036 Strategic Plan, a new Investment Policy and updated organizational regulations. These measures are intended to improve the capacity of member countries to detect, prevent and respond to agricultural health threats while protecting food production and regional trade.

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