Veterinary lab gets equipment boost from PAHO

Georgetown, GINA, May 09, 2008.

The Guyana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory today received an equipment boost valued close to US$10, 000 from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
The donation was made in light of Government’s commitment and efforts to ensure systems are in place for surveillance, early detection and diagnosis of diseases that may affect animal and public health.
The equipment, which will upgrade the laboratory to reinforce early detection and prevention of the Avian Influenza, includes a scientific advance stereo microscope, a thermo scientific water bath, an automatic Pipettor and a ph meter.
These were handed over to Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud by PAHO Country Representative Dr. Kathleen Israel at the Diagnostic Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture compound, Regent Street and Vlissengen Road.
Several senior officers of the Animal Health Department including Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Kenerick Elias and personnel from PAHO were among those present.
Minister Persaud expressed gratitude for PAHO’s support and noted the importance of strengthening animal health systems in light of efforts to advance the livestock sector with focus on increased production for local consumption and export.
The will enhance the laboratory’s capacity to conduct more comprehensive testing that could not have been done before. This is important in light of ongoing efforts to modernise and improve the country’s animal health systems to prevent negative consequences, Minister Persaud stated.
  Reference was made to the need to ensure capacity that will provide results that are acceptable internationally and thus the focus on more in-depth testing and capacity to manage veterinary systems. At present, 14 veterinarians are deployed countrywide while enhanced surveillance systems for various diseases have been developed.
            One of the main activities being pursued as part of the modernisation of veterinary services and facilities is construction of a state-of-the-arty Veterinary Laboratory at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. This will be done as part the agricultural diversification initiative to develop the livestock sector with particular emphasis on beef and beef products.            
In addition, the private sector has been involved in the management of the veterinary laboratory to ensure that the livestock industry benefit from the services.
            Dr. Israel highlighted the regional simulation exercise conducted late last year to test Guyana’s preparedness to deal with a possible outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu) after which discussions were held on ways of improving the systems in place to ensure early detection of the disease.
While stressing the need to keep the disease out of the country, she noted that there is no control over this and therefore, focus must be placed on vigilance for early detection so there could be rapid response.
The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory was established on June 22, 2006 and has moved Guyana closer to achieving international standards for the certification of livestock and other meat products for export.

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