Cockfighting in Chiriquí Suspended for Three Months due to a Case of Bird Flu in the Community of El Flor de Dolega

Authorities in the province of Chiriquí have ordered the total suspension of cockfights and the transfer of birds for a period of 90 days, following the confirmation of a case of avian flu in the community of El Flor de Dolega. The measure was adopted after the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) and the Government of Chiriquí declared a state of health emergency, with the aim of preventing the spread of the virus in the region.  Most mayors in the province have backed the decision, although some have expressed concern about the economic repercussions.  Jesenka Espinoza, mayor of Boquerón, said the suspension mainly affects those who depend on these activities, which are part of local tradition.  “This is a measure that impacts the economy of many families, but we understand that the priority is public health.”  “The permits granted have been suspended and no new authorizations are being issued until MIDA determines the end of the emergency,” as was explained.

The director of MIDA in Chiriquí, Félix Martínez, considered that the measure adopted is very necessary to contain the disease.  “This was not a decision taken lightly,” Martinez said.  “The goal is to ensure that no new cases are registered and to prevent the virus from spreading in the province,” he stressed.  On February 18, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) formalized through publication in the Official Gazette No. 30220-A, the declaration of a national state of zoo-sanitary emergency issued on February 4, following the detection of a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the district of Dolega, province of Chiriquí.  Among the main provisions, the MIDA prohibited the movement of domestic backyard birds, fertile eggs and ornamental birds from the districts of David and Dolega to the rest of the country. Exhibitions, displays, fairs and cockfights were also suspended throughout the province.