CHALLENGE: Guyana’s poultry sector is the third fastest growing agro-industry in the country. Ten years ago, the domestic poultry industry supplied 55% of local demand. Today, this has risen to almost 100%. That is no small feat when considering the numbers: 80% of all meat consumed in Guyana is poultry; 53.4 million pounds of poultry and 60 million eggs were produced last year; the industry contributes approximately US$25 million to the GDP and employs 17,000 persons. The CARICOM poultry market of approximately US$350 million also offers exciting prospects for the growth of Guyana’s poultry sector. But, due to a non-tariff trade barrier, exports cannot commence until a baseline disease survey is completed and the safety of poultry products is ensured. For this, a proper laboratory and trained technicians are needed.

INITIATIVE: In an effort to advance Guyana’s veterinary diagnostic capacity to facilitate testing for avian influenza and other poultry diseases, USAID through its GTIS Project implemented by CARANA corporation provided training and purchased laboratory equipment valued at US$40,000 for the Ministry of Agriculture’s new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. An additional US$30,000 has been allocated for future training needs and laboratory supplies.

RESULTS: Originally, the lab was established to test for the major poultry diseases—Marek’s, Newcastle, Bronchitis, Fowl Pox—but because of the worldwide scare with avian influenza, focus has shifted to the testing for bird flu. A countrywide test for bird flu will be carried out, during which time workshops will be held sensitizing and teaching farmers about the potential pandemic. During preliminary lab training with technicians from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health’s Food and Drug Department (FDD), and the University of Guyana, 900 blood samples were tested for the bird flu virus. All were negative.

With the additional USAID funding, the Guyana Poultry Producers Association (GPPA) and Ministry of Agriculture will soon purchase test kits for other poultry diseases; a countrywide survey and a poultry disease status for Guyana will be completed. “This will be the first step in getting our poultry certified for export to CARICOM countries,” asserts Patrick De Groot, President of the GPPA. Once a market is established, it is estimated that three million pounds of poultry products can be exported per month.

To read more about the GTIS Project, click here for the project description, or visit the GTIS website at http://gtisproject.com.