During the visit, discussions were held on key priority areas, including animal health management and veterinary public health. Special attention was given to the planned renovation of the slaughterhouse to meet modern standards for hygiene, food safety, and animal welfare, as well as disease control. The delegation also handed over materials to support early detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and provided personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, the ongoing update of laws and ordinances was reviewed to better align with current regulations and international standards.
Disaster preparedness was another key topic, with a focus on improving readiness and response within the livestock sector during emergencies. Preparations for the upcoming CARIBVET and CARICOM Chief Veterinary Officers’ meetings, which will be held on Statia, were also discussed. This highlights the island’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing in veterinary and public health.
The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Netherlands and Statia and underlined a shared commitment to sustainable livestock development, food safety, and animal welfare on the island.
