Meat from small ruminants and public health in the Caribbean

Small ruminants are very important livestock species in the English-speaking Caribbean. Total populations for the Caribbean region are approximately 677,000 goats and 281,000 sheep. Although the primary purpose of sheep and goats is meat production for local consumption, the animals are also a source of emergency income. Production systems are generally characterised as small-scale and low-input, and few breeding or productivity records are kept. Although intra-regional trade does occur between Caribbean countries, there is insufficient production for extra-regional trade. The Caribbean countries collectively have a very favourable animal health situation, which is maintained by strict import restrictions on livestock. Zoonotic diseases are relatively rare, with the exception of leptospirosis. The most important public health risk relates to the slaughter of small ruminants in small, unregulated butcheries which do not have acceptable standards of hygiene. In addition, meat is often transported or sold under unhygienic conditions. Recommendations are made for the reduction of these risks.