Standstill Order Lifted: Movement of Live Bird Products Now Permitted
Bodden Town, Grand Cayman – 7 January 2025
The Department of Agriculture (DoA), within the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, advises farmers, retailers, and the general public that the standstill order affecting live bird products is no longer in effect as of 21 December 2025.
The standstill order was limited in scope and applied only to the movement of live birds and live bird products within, into, and out of the West Bay district during the specified control period. The order did not apply island-wide, and it has now formally expired.
As of 21 December 2025, the movement, sale, and distribution of live bird products are permitted throughout the Cayman Islands, in accordance with normal biosecurity and food safety requirements.
Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, stated:
“I want to reassure farmers, retailers, and the wider public that the standstill order has officially ended and that normal movement of live bird products may now resume across the Cayman Islands. These temporary measures were necessary to protect animal and public health, and I thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during this period.”
The Department is aware that some farmers have experienced difficulties selling eggs due to misunderstandings surrounding the standstill order. The DoA wishes to clarify that there are currently no movement restrictions in place, and approved farmers may resume normal trade.
Director of Agriculture, Mr. Wilbur Welcome, explained:
“The standstill order was always intended to be a targeted, time-limited control measure focused on West Bay. With the order now lifted, farmers can move forward with normal operations. We encourage continued good biosecurity practices and open communication with the Department should any concerns arise.”
Food safety remains a top priority. The Cayman Islands continues to maintain a robust inspection, monitoring, and licensing framework to ensure that locally produced and imported food products entering the market are safe for consumption.
The Ministry of PLAHI and the DoA, thanks farmers, retailers, and the wider community for their cooperation throughout the control period and encourages continued adherence to good biosecurity and hygiene practices.
For further clarification or questions, farmers and market operators are encouraged to contact the
Department of Agriculture at (345) 916-7146 or (345) 947-3090, or email agriculture@gov.ky.
Further updates will continue to be shared through official Government channels.
Note: The inter-island (GCM-CYB) bird movement restriction has also been lifted.
