The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) confirms that a single pig farm in Trinidad and Tobago has tested positive for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
PRRS is a contagious viral disease that affects pigs but poses no risk to human health. Pork remains safe for consumption and there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to people.
Following confirmation of the disease, the Ministry immediately activated its national emergency response plan aimed at containing the outbreak, supporting the affected farmer and safeguarding the long-term viability of the pork industry. The current policy guiding the Ministry’s response is focused on disease eradication at the infected farm. Plans are actively underway to operationalise a humane depopulation and carcass disposal exercise in accordance with international best practice.
Dr. Lisa Musai, Chief Veterinary Officer (Ag.), emphasises, “Our team has been working diligently to contain the outbreak and support the affected farmer while ensuring the safety of the national pork supply. We are guided by science, international best practice and a strong commitment to protecting both animal health and public confidence in the sector.”
The planned depopulation exercise will involve the humane slaughter of all pigs on the affected farm. This operation is being coordinated by the Ministry in consultation with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with internationally accepted animal welfare standards. The rate and timing of depopulation will depend on the availability and suitability of a disposal site for the carcasses.
While on-site burial is the recommended method for carcass disposal, an environmental assessment determined that the affected farm is not suitable for this approach. The Ministry has since explored several alternative locations and continues to engage with key agencies to identify a viable disposal site. Inter-agency collaboration remains ongoing to support the safe and timely execution of this critical phase of the response.
During this period, the Ministry has intensified national surveillance efforts to monitor the health status of the country’s swine population. To date, 345 diagnostic samples have been collected from 36 pig farms across Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on high-density pig farming areas. Effort are also being made to update the national pig registry and strengthen disease tracking through detailed mapping of pig farms.
Engagement with stakeholders has remained a top priority throughout the response. The Ministry continues to work directly with pig farmers, abattoirs and processors, offering veterinary guidance on biosecurity measures and animal health management. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to establish a compassionate relief framework to support affected farmers during this difficult time.
At the regional and international levels, the Ministry has engaged in technical cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and veterinary experts from the University of the West Indies (UWI) to ensure that the local response is informed by global best practice. As part of its long-term strategy, the Ministry is reviewing protocols for the importation of live animals and genetic material, exploring the feasibility of PRRS vaccination or eradication programmes and promoting sustainable herd health initiatives to build greater resilience within the pork industry.
The Ministry remains resolute in its commitment to protecting animal health, ensuring food security and supporting the well-being of livestock farmers. Through scientific collaboration, coordinated action and transparent communication, the Ministry aims not only to manage this outbreak effectively but to reinforce the foundation of a more sustainable and secure pork industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
To report suspected cases of PRRS or seek guidance, members of the public and farming community are encouraged to contact the Ministry’s PRRS Hotline at 280-7945. Updates on the situation will continue to be shared via the Ministry’s website at www.agriculture.gov.tt and through its official social media platforms.