Dominican Republic activates avian flu alert for ferry travelers from Puerto Rico
Authorities placed quarantine inspectors at the ferry and are asking travelers not to bring meat products from the island, especially turkey, duck and chicken.
The short version
- Revista Mercado reported that Dominican authorities activated a sanitary alert after new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza were confirmed in Cabo Rojo and Lajas, Puerto Rico
- Listin Diario reports that the director general of livestock, Abel Madera, said inspectors were placed on the ferry to reinforce surveillance of meat products
- Both outlets state that around 20 creole ducks died in one property and about 30 guinea hens and other birds in another
- Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture imposed 120-day quarantines and movement restrictions on the affected properties according to both sources
Dominican controls at the ferry
Dominican authorities have activated an alert for travelers arriving by ferry from Puerto Rico and placed quarantine inspectors to review incoming products. The measure follows confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases on the island. Revista Mercado reported that the alert asks travelers not to introduce meat products from Puerto Rico, with special attention to turkeys, ducks and chickens.
Abel Madera, director general of Ganadería, told Listin Diario that the inspectors will attend to the alert and orient travelers. He added that authorities are waiting for more information from Puerto Rico before deciding on additional measures. The alert has not yet appeared in the notification systems of the CDC or the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA).
Also on PuertoRico.com: Cabo Rojo travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Estamos en comunicación directa con productores de la región y representantes de la industria avícola para reforzar las medidas de prevención.
Our translation: We are in direct communication with producers in the region and representatives of the poultry industry to reinforce prevention measures.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Listin Diario. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Cases confirmed in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in properties located in Cabo Rojo and Lajas. In one property around 20 creole ducks died, while in another about 30 guinea hens and other birds died, El Nuevo Día reported via Listin Diario.
Secretary of Agriculture Irving Rodríguez Torres stated that the department imposed 120-day quarantines on the affected properties, along with restrictions on bird movement, strict cleaning and disinfection procedures, and reinforced surveillance. He added that officials are in direct communication with producers and the poultry industry.
Where the sources differ
Both Revista Mercado and Listin Diario agree on the activation of the Dominican alert, the placement of quarantine inspectors at the ferry, the specific attention to turkey, duck and chicken products, and the Puerto Rico cases involving around 20 ducks in Cabo Rojo and about 30 guinea hens in Lajas. They also coincide on the 120-day quarantines and movement restrictions imposed by Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture. Listin Diario adds details on prior 2025 outbreaks, U.S. CDC context on H5 influenza including 71 cases and two deaths in the United States, and a direct quote from Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres. Revista Mercado lists the prohibited product categories in greater detail and notes the proximity to Thanksgiving shopping.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state whether any products have been seized at the ferry, the exact number of birds affected beyond the initial deaths, whether human cases have been detected in Puerto Rico, the current status of the quarantines, or what additional measures Dominican authorities may adopt once they receive more information from Puerto Rico. They also do not indicate if the alert applies only to commercial products or also to personal-use items after inspection.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official RD pone alerta por caso de gripe aviar en Puerto Rico
- Reporting ¿Qué no puedes traer de Puerto Rico en el ferry? RD activa una alerta por gripe aviar
- Reporting RD pone alerta por caso de gripe aviar en Puerto Rico
How we checked this
Revista Mercado and Listin Diario both reported the Dominican alert and the underlying Puerto Rico cases. The direct statements from Abel Madera and Irving Rodríguez Torres rest on Listin Diario. No other sources were used.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.