Due to the presence of the outbreak of the Newcastle avian disease in the north of Costa Rica, health alerts were activated at the border and entry of poultry from the neighboring country has been banned.

From a statement issued by the Ministry of Agricultural Development in Panama (MIDA):

Following the occurrence of an outbreak of avian disease known as Newcastle disease in Costa Rica, a meeting was held in Mexico between the National Poultry Technical Commission (COTAN), in order to facilitate prevention and apply mitigation measures in the provinces of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro.

The National Animal Health Department at the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), led by Bredio Velasco, chaired the meeting along with officials from the Ministry of Health, poultry associations, and association of veterinarians, among other people.