The illegal importation of animal products into the island is placing Barbados’ food security under constant threat.
So says Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Mark Trotman, who has warned that those products could carry animal-borne diseases which have the potential to cause devastating damage to the country’s agricultural sector.
In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Dr Trotman said the ministry was managing what he described as daily attempts by persons trying to import produce illegally.
He explained that the actions of those individuals were especially worrying when the items came from countries battling outbreaks of animal diseases.
“That happens almost every day when people land with products, especially animal products.
“Obviously, one of the biggest things that we are concerned about is when there are diseases in countries that we normally import things from and we then have to publish restrictions on certain commodities because there is a risk of importing certain viruses into the country,” Dr Trotman said.
“So, when people bring in stuff in their luggage, or try to bring things in their baggage and things like that without first seeking permission, that’s when we run into trouble, because once it lands on the island, once there is no import permit, or accompanying health certificate, then it’s not allowed entry and it’s too late.”
Despite the challenges facing the ministry, Dr Trotman gave the assurance that they were on top of the situation.
He said with assistance from the Customs Department, they were able to identify and prevent the majority of illegal produce from crossing the island’s borders.
“We are pretty good at making sure we regulate the importation of animals and animal products. Sometimes we get some unusual things that try to be snuck into the country. We rely very heavily on cooperation from the Customs Department in detecting things that are coming into the country.
“We are constantly on the lookout and making sure we are vigilant and know what is coming into the country and intercepting anything that comes in that may be a risk to both animal and human health… so that is why we have officers stationed at the airport and the sea port, to intercept and look at commodities coming into the country,” Dr Trotman said.
The chief vet advised members of the public to comply with the regulations and follow the necessary steps.
He revealed that the vet department publishes “very transparent” directions on how to follow the protocols for imports.
“That is the takeaway; follow the instructions and seek guidance from us. We will send you anything you need in writing, so that there is no misconception about what is needed,” Dr Trotman said.
“Sometimes you would get people who would call us and say ‘I spoke to this person and that person and this is what they told me.’ We don’t go by that. We provide information in writing, so there is no doubt as to what you need to do in order to bring items into the country or to bring animals into the country.
“Once people contact us first and get the import requirements and they follow the import requirements, we usually don’t have a problem with them. It’s only if it’s a previously-banned item or something that people are aware that is not allowed but they try to bring it in any way,” he added.
While Dr Trotman expressed regret that his department did not have an active website, he said it was a work in progress.
He said persons seeking advice could email the department at vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb.
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