Belize Agricultural Health Authority (Prevention, Control and Eradication of New World Screwworm) (Cochliomyia Hominivorax) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 143 of 2024)

BELIZE: BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (PREVENTION, CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF NEW WORLD SCREWWORM) (COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX) REGULATIONS, 2024 ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Citation. 2. Interpretation. 3. NWS Steering Committee. 4. Suspected presence or diagnostic evidence of the presence of NWS to be reported. 5. Notification and investigation procedures. 6. Control zone and internal quarantine. 7. Condition for movement of small stock and livestock. 8. Animal movement control points. 9. Movement Permit and NWS Inspection Certificate. 10. Health inspections. 11. Health and safety of persons working with animals. 12. Government to assist the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. 13. Duties of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. 14. Funding. 15. Import control. 16. Designation by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. 17. Fees. Belize Agricultural Health Authority 18. General offence and penalty. SCHEDULE I SCHEDULE II SCHEDULE III SCHEDULE IV Belize Agricultural Health Authority No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 1 BELIZE: STATUTORY INSTRUMENT No. 143 of 2024 REGULATIONS made by the Minister responsible for agriculture, after consultation with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by section 86 of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act, Chapter 211 of the Substantive Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2020; and all other powers thereunto him enabling. (Gazetted 9th November, 2024). 1. These Regulations may be cited as the BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (PREVENTION, CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF NEW WORLD SCREWWORM) (COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX) REGULATIONS, 2024. 2. In these Regulations– “Act” means the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act; “animal disease” means any animal disease listed in the Act or any Order made under the Act; “animal establishment” means a commercial animal farm, backyard animal farm, and slaughtering plant; “animal farm” means an establishment where animals are kept for production purposes; “animal owner” means the legal entity, person or group of persons who has ownership of an animal; Citation. Interpretation. CAP. 211. 2 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 “biosecurity means a set of management and physical measures that are designed to reduce the risk of introduction, establishment and spread of animal diseases, infections or infestations to, from and within an animal population; “carrier” means any vehicle, ship, aircraft or any other means of transportation by which plants, planting materials, plant products, fruits and vegetables, pests, soil, animals, animal products and any other non-plant articles are moved from one place to another; “Committee” means the NWS Steering Committee; “compartment” means an animal sub-population contained in one or more establishments under a common biosecurity management system with a distinct health status to a specific disease for which required surveillance, control and biosecurity measures are applied for international trade; “confirmed case” means an infected, infested or diseased animal in which the presence of NWS has been proven by an advanced diagnostic technique approved by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority; “control measures” means a group of sanitary measures whose objective is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of animal disease in a specific geographic area; “control zone” means a designated geographical area with protection and surveillance zones in which sanitary measures are applied which tend to eliminate animal disease or where epidemiological studies are conducted to prove the absence of NWS; “diagnostic” means the study based on the history, clinical signs and lesions observed in an animal and the results of identification and confirmation of infestation caused by NWS; “eradication” means the process of total elimination of NWS in a designated geographical area through the application of sanitary measures in a specified population of animals; “farm manager” means the legal entity, person or group of persons who is in charge of the animal establishment; “infestation” means the external invasion or colonisation of animals or their immediate surroundings by arthropods which may cause clinical signs or are potential vectors of pathogenic agents; “internal quarantine” means the application of restrictive measures to prevent the introduction of NWS in the national territory or into a determined geographical region within the country; “myiasis” means an infestation of live animals with fly larvae that feed off tissue and grow inside the host; “notification” means formal, verbal, written or electronic communication to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority on the suspicion or existence of NWS within twenty-four hours; “NWS” means New World Screwworm, which was declared as an animal disease under regulation 2 of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (Declaration of Diseases) Order, 2022; “NWS Inspection Certificate” means an official document issued by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority or an accredited officer to confirm compliance with these Regulations; “outbreak” means designating the appearance of one or more cases of NWS in an epidemiological unit; “owner” means the natural or judicial person responsible for the small stock or livestock or pet or another warm-blooded animal; No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 3 S.I. 41 of 2022. “prevention” means a group of sanitary measures based on epidemiological studies and risk analyses which have as their objective the prevention of the introduction and establishment of NWS; “registration” means the action by which information in respect of animals and animal establishments is collected, recorded, securely stored and made appropriately accessible and able to be utilised by the Authority; “report” means the presentation of an official report on the detection of NWS in a specified place and time; “risk analysis” means the process which encompasses hazard identification, risk evaluation, risk management and risk communication; “sanitary measure” means a measure, including the measures described in chapters of the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, designed to protect animal or human health or life from risks arising from the entry, establishment or spread of a hazard; “surveillance” means the systematic ongoing collection, collation and analysis of information related to animal health and the timely dissemination of information so that action can be taken; “WOAH” means World Organisation for Animal Health; “WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code” means the most recent version of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code as approved and published by the WOAH; and “zone” means a clearly defined designated area that contains a sub-population of animals with a particular health status with respect to the NWS for which there is active surveillance, disease control and biosecurity that is required for domestic and international commerce. 4 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 3.–(1) A NWS Steering Committee shall be and is hereby established for the prevention, control and eradication of NWS. (2) The Committee shall be comprise of– (a) the Director of Animal Health of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority or a designee; (b) a representative of the Ministry responsible for agriculture; (c) a representative of the Ministry responsible for health; (d) a representative of the Forest Department; (e) a representative of the Livestock Industry; and (f) two representatives with expertise in the agricultural sector. (3) The Committee may co-opt additional members to provide specific expertise on an ad hoc basis. (4) The Director of Animal Health of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority or designee shall be the chairperson of the Committee. (5) The Committee shall provide technical advice and coordinate activities for the prevention, control and eradication of NWS. 4.–(1) Any person who suspects, or has diagnostic evidence of, the presence of NWS in any animal species, including humans, shall immediately notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 5 Suspected presence or diagnostic evidence of the presence of NWS to be reported. NWS Steering Committee. (2) For the purposes of sub-regulation (1), a person shall suspect the presence of NWS in any animal species where a wound of any animal species has the presence of myiasis. 5. Where the Belize Agricultural Health Authority is notified of the suspected presence of NWS under regulation 4, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall follow the notification and investigation procedures set out in Schedule II. 6.–(1) In the event of an outbreak of NWS in any compartment or zone or in the country, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall evaluate the measures to adopt to ensure the control and eradication of NWS. (2) Where the presence of NWS has been confirmed in any compartment or zone or in the country, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall implement internal quarantine and control measures in such compartment or zone or in the country. (3) Where the presence of NWS has been confirmed in any compartment or zone or in the country, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall also determine surveillance and movement control and such compartment or zone or the country shall be delimited through the installation of control points specific for the movement of warm-blooded animals. (4) Any animal in which the presence NWS is suspected or confirmed or any carrier potentially capable of transporting NWS shall be subjected to conditional or total quarantine measures, including, but not limited to, movement control, decontamination, and disposal as may be required by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. (5) For the purposes of sub-regulation (4), the Belize Agricultural Health Authority may designate suitable agencies to implement the conditional or total quarantine measures 6 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 Schedule II. Control zone and internal quarantine. Notification and investigation procedures under the supervision of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. (6) Where the Belize Agricultural Health Authority implements quarantine measures, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall notify the public of such quarantine measures. (7) Any quarantine shall be lifted only after the Belize Agricultural Health Authority confirms the absence of NWS. 7.–(1) The movement of any small stock and livestock shall be during daylight hours only. (2) The movement of any small stock and livestock shall be in accordance with the procedures of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority as set out under Schedule IV. 8.–(1) The Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall establish animal movement control checkpoints to control the movement of all warm-blooded animals. (2) Upon arrival at an animal movement control checkpoint, every person shall declare any animal that is in a carrier. (3) All animals shall be inspected on-site at an animal movement control point and may be cleared by a designated officer. (4) Failure of any person to declare any animal that is in a carrier or failure of an animal to be inspected shall result in the animal being returned to its origin. 9.–(1) The owner of any small stock or livestock passing through an animal movement control checkpoint shall possess a Movement Permit and an NWS Inspection Certificate, as set out in Schedule III, in respect to such small stock or livestock. No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 7 Condition for movement of small stock and livestock. Schedule IV. Animal movement control points. Movement Permit and NWS Inspection Certificate. Schedule III. (2) The owner of any small stock or livestock who intends to pass such small stock or livestock through an animal movement control checkpoint shall make an application for a Movement Permit, in the form set out in Form 2 of Schedule III, to the Belize Livestock Producers Association. (3) Failure to obtain a Movement Permit or NWS Inspection Certificate shall result in the small stock or livestock being returned to their origin. (4) All Movement Permits or NWS Inspection Certificates shall be valid for seventy-two hours. 10.–(1) The Belize Agricultural Health Authority may accredit veterinarians, animal health assistants, and any other authorised personnel to conduct health inspections of small stock and livestock at any animal movement control points. (2) The health inspections under sub-regulation (1) shall be conducted accordance with the protocol set out in Schedule I. (3) All health inspections of small stock and livestock shall be conducted during daylight hours only. 11.–(1) Every person who works with, or has direct contact with, animals shall establish and use adequate protective measures. (2) Small stock and livestock owners shall train the workers of their establishments and provide them with continuous training in worker and workplace safety and biosecurity. (3) Small stock and livestock owners and farm managers shall keep records of all relevant certifications and permits issued by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for at least one year. 8 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 Health inspections. Schedule I. Health and safety of persons working with animals. 12. The Government of Belize, through its Ministries, shall provide the Belize Agricultural Health Authority with any technical and administrative support and collaboration required to prevent the entry, control, and eradication of the NWS. 13. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall– (a) determine the health status of any compartment or zone, or the country in respect of NWS; and (b) provide any required national or international reports in the event of an outbreak of NWS until such outbreak has been controlled and the disease has been eradicated. 14. Funds to assist in the prevention, control and eradication of NWS shall be allocated from– (a) emergency funds made available to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority by the Government of Belize; or (b) any other funding made available to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority by donor organisations. 15.–(1) A person shall not import any animal through a non established points of entry. (2) A person shall not import any animal from a country in which the presence of NWS has been declared, except where authorised by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. (3) For any country in which the presence of NWS has not been declared, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall conduct a risk analysis to determine the import conditions, including sanitary requirements, for the importation of any animal. No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 9 Government to assist the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Duties of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Funding. Import control. (4) The Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall conduct quarantine inspection services at all points of entry to ensure full compliance with all the sanitary requirements of a permit issued by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for the importation of any animal. 16. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority may designate the collection of fees and issuance of Movement Permits and NWS Inspection Certificates to suitable agencies which shall subject their processes, procedures, and records to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for validation and continued designation. 17. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority, or any agency designated by it for the provision of services in respect to the issuance of movement permits, health inspection certification, evaluation of biosecurity, and any other service related to the inspection, approval, or registration of establishments under these Regulations, shall charge the following fees– SERVICE FEE (BZ $) Movement Permit not exceeding $50.00 Heath Inspection Certificate not exceeding $125.00 Evaluation of biosecurity not exceeding $50.00 Any other service related to not exceeding $60.00 the inspection, approval, or per hour registration of establishments under these Regulations 18. Any person who contravenes these Regulations commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment. 10 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 Fees. Schedule I. Designation by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. General offence and penalty. No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 11Belize Agricultural Health Authority 11 SCHEDULE I [regulation 10(2)] Belize Agricultural Health Authority Protocol for the Inspection of Live Animals to Prevent the Entry and Spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Introduction This protocol establishes the necessary guidelines for the inspection of live animals at points of entry and animal movement control points to prevent the entry and spread of the NWS. The presence of NWS can lead other countries to impose trade restrictions, impacting the export of livestock products. Efficient inspection and control measures are necessary to protect animal health and livestock production in the country. Purpose of the Protocol The protocol establishes a reference framework for the inspection of live animals at points of entry and animal movement control points to prevent the entry and spread of NWS. The protocol defines specific procedures to be carried out during inspections and necessary control and prevention measures. It also aims to establish effective coordination with international health authorities to ensure the efficacy of the implemented actions. 1. Inspection Procedures Inspection procedures are essential to prevent the entry of the NWS into Belize at points of entry and for the subsequent spread within. These procedures shall be carried out rigorously and meticulously to ensure that live animals entering the country are free of this pest. These procedures shall also be applied at animal movement control points within Belize. Various inspection methods shall be applied to ensure that no infected animal goes unnoticed. The procedures include– 1.1 identification and registration of live animals; 1.2 evaluation of the physical condition of the live animals; 1.3 visual examination of the skin and fur of the live animals and inspection of their nasal cavities and ears; and 1.4 review of the health documentation of the live animals. 12 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 12 Belize Agricultural Health Authority 1.1 Identification and Registration of Live Animals During the inspection process, identification and registration of live animals entering through quarantine control points shall be carried out. Identification techniques, such as identification tags, tattoos, or microchips shall be used to ensure that each animal is properly identified. This information is crucial for maintaining an accurate record of animals entering the country and allows for appropriate follow-up if the NWS is detected in any of them. At an animal movement control point, identification tags, tattoos or microchips shall be viewed to ensure that each animal is properly identified. 1.2 Evaluation of the Physical Condition of Animals The evaluation of the physical condition of animals is a fundamental part of the inspection to prevent the entry of the NWS. During this process, the general condition of the animals, their physical appearance, and any signs of illness or weakness shall be observed. This allows for the identification of potential signs of infestation by the NWS and the necessary measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the pest. 1.3 Visual Examination of the Skin and Fur of Animals The visual examination of the skin and fur of animals is a crucial part of the inspection to prevent the entry of the NWS. During this process, anomalies in the skin shall be sought, such as the presence of sores or wounds, which could indicate the presence of larvae or lesions from the NWS. The condition of the fur shall also be observed, looking for damaged hair or bald spots, which could be another indication of infestation. This thorough examination enables the detection of potential cases of NWS and allows for immediate actions. 1.4 Inspection of the Nasal Cavity, Mucous Membranes, Ears and Genitals of Animals The inspection of the nasal cavity, mucous membranes, and ears of animals is an important measure to identify wounds created by NWS. During this process, the nasal cavities, conjunctiva, ears, and genitals are carefully examined for the presence of larvae or eggs of the NWS. These areas are prone to being entry points for the larvae, making thorough inspection essential. If any signs of infestation are found, samples of larvae shall be taken, treatment of the wound shall be carried out and the animal shall be returned to its point of origin. No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 13Belize Agricultural Health Authority 13 1.5 Review of the Health Documentation of Animals The review of the health documentation of animals is an essential step in the inspection to prevent the entry and spread of the NWS. During this process, the authenticity and validity of health certificates, other sanitary documents presented by the animal owners, and movement permits shall be verified. This review ensures that the animals meet established health requirements and do not pose a risk of introducing or spreading the pest into and within the country. Additionally, it allows for the identification of the animals' origin and for further actions to be taken if any irregularities in the presented documentation are detected. Inspection of Live Animals at a Point of Entry Inspection of Small Stock & Livestock at an Animal Movement Control Point Identification of Live Animal(s) Evaluation of Physical Conditions of Animals Visual Examination of the Skin and Fur of Animals Inspection of the nasal cavities, mucous membranes, ears, and genitals Review of the health documentation Review of the health documentation Identification of Live Animals Evaluation of Physical Conditions of Animals Visual Examination of the Skin and Fur of Animals Inspection of the nasal cavities, mucous membranes, ears, and genitals 14 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 14 Belize Agricultural Health Authority SCHEDULE II [regulation 5] Belize Agricultural Health Authority New World Screwworm (NWS) Notification and Investigation Procedures 1. Upon receipt of a notification regarding a wound with an infestation of larvae (worms or maggots), a surveillance officer, who is a Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise Extension Officer, a producer associations officer, a Belize Agricultural Health Authority Officer, a Forest Department Officer, a Medical Practitioner, a Community Health Worker, a Public Health Inspector, or a Private Veterinarian, shall record basic information such as phone number, location, and name of notifier. 2. The surveillance officer shall pass this information to a Belize Agricultural Health Authority Veterinarian via telephone call or text, logging in the time and date. 3. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority Veterinarian, who is in receipt of the notification, shall call the notifier immediately and shall carry out the basic compilation of information from the notifier. 4. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority Veterinarian shall immediately notify the Chief Veterinary Officer/Technical Director of Animal Health (CVO/TDAH) of the findings. 5. The CVO/TDAH shall dispatch the Zone Veterinarian to respond to the notification. 6. If no larva is found, the case shall be closed and the CVO/TDAH shall be notified. If larva is found, the attending Belize Agricultural Health Authority Veterinarian shall proceed to inform the CVO/TDAH. 7. Where larva is found, upon being informed, the CVO/TDAH shall notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Entomologist that samples shall be collected and submitted. No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 15Belize Agricultural Health Authority 15 8. The responding Belize Agricultural Health Authority Veterinarian shall carry out a veterinary case investigation, inclusive of sample taking of larvae if necessary. 9. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority Veterinarian shall inform the CVO/TDAH of the findings and shall submit the samples with the relevant forms to the entomologist. 10. The CVO/TDAH shall notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Managing Director of events. 11. In the event the entomologist finds evidence indicative of NWS, the entomologist shall proceed to notify the CVO/TDAH and shall prepare the samples for submission to the designated reference laboratory. The Managing Director shall be notified of the findings. The samples shall be sent to the reference laboratory and if confirmed as positive, the CVO/TDAH shall be notified. 12. In the event the entomologist does not find evidence indicative of NWS larvae, the entomologist shall proceed to inform the CVO/TDAH, who shall then inform the attending veterinarian and Managing Director. Information to be Collected and Recorded during the Case Investigation  Upon initial notification, the basic information to be obtained on the Notification Record form at the local office includes the location (district/village/locality); the informant’s name; the date and time of receipt; the informant's phone (cell, business, and home); notification received by owner’s name; and property identification (name, Belize Livestock registration number); location of premises; area (ha.) (GPS Coordinates); species affected and number; probable date of onset; clinical signs observed; farm attendant veterinarian; and officer responsible for attending to the call.  If the notifier is the owner or caretaker of the animals, it is imperative to communicate to them that any animals under suspicion shall not be relocated and shall remain confined to their current premises. This precautionary measure is essential to prevent the potential spread of the suspected infestation and to facilitate proper treatment, containment, and investigation procedures. 16 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 16 Belize Agricultural Health Authority SCHEDULE III FORM 1 [regulation 9(1) and (2)] Movement Control Online and Manual Application Form Movement Control Application Form (Online) No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 17Belize Agricultural Health Authority 17 Movement Control Application Form (Manual) 18 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 18 Belize Agricultural Health Authority FORM 2 New World Screwworm Inspection Certificate No. 143] Belize Agricultural Health Authority 19Belize Agricultural Health Authority 19 SCHEDULE IV [regulation 7] Belize Agricultural Health Authority Procedure for Movement of Animals This procedure shall apply to all small-stock and livestock. 1. Before the movement of small stock and livestock occurs, all animals shall be inspected individually following the protocol set out in Schedule I. 2. If an animal is found with an open wound or a wound that is infested with larvae, the procedures set out in Schedule II shall be followed. 3. If all animals are found to be without open wounds or wounds with larvae, the NWS Inspection Certificate, as set out in Schedule III, may be issued by an officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority or a designated accredited officer. 4. NWS Inspection Certificates for cattle shall be individual, while NWS Inspection Certificates for pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, goats, and rabbits shall be awarded by lot. 5. The NWS Inspection Certificate shall accompany the Movement Permit and shall be presented at the animal movement control point. 6. Upon arrival at the animal movement control point, the NWS Inspection Certificate shall accompany the Movement Permit and shall be presented to the officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. 7. The officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall verify that the NWS Inspection Certificate and the Movement Permit correspond to the animals presented. 20 Belize Agricultural Health Authority [No. 143 20 Belize Agricultural Health Authority 8. The officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority may carry out a cursory inspection of the animals. 9. If the NWS Inspection Certificate and the Movement Permit are incomplete or an animal has an open wound, the entire lot shall be returned to the point of origin and the Director of Animal Health shall be notified. *Dogs and cats that arrive at the animal movement control point shall be inspected by an officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority on-site. Dogs and cats with open wounds or open wounds with larval infestations shall be treated and returned to their origin and the Director of Animal Health shall be notified. MADE by the Minister responsible for agriculture, after consultation with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, this day of , 2024. (HON. JOSE ABELARDO MAI) Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (Minister responsible for agriculture) Printed in Belize by the Government Printer #1 Power Lane, Belmopan, Belize, C.A. (HON. JOSE ABELARDO MAI) Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (Minister responsible for agriculture) MADE by the Minister responsible for agriculture, after consultation with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, this 8th day of November, 2024.