A viral video of thousands of dead chickens at a local poultry farm has many people asking if bird flu has reached our shores.
Agricultural officials are however clearing the air, declaring that the deaths are not linked to the H5N1 avian influenza, detected in neighbouring countries.
The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) has been shedding some light on the matter.
Chief Executive Officer, James Paul, spoke to CBC News explaining what occurred.
He says in this instance, the Barbados Light and Power Company disconnected the electricity supply to the farm due to an outstanding bill payment.
Mr. Paul reveals that the approximately 20,000 chickens died of heat exhaustion.
As a result, the farmer in question is counting his losses to the tune of $300,000.
The BAS boss says the social media buzz linking the deaths on the poultry farm to bird flu is unfortunate.
He made it clear the society is working with veterinary services, with officials already conducting tests and confirming this situation is not the result of bird flu or any other outbreak.
Discussion are ongoing to determine what recourse the farmer has to recoup the loss.
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