THE capacity of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture has been significantly enhanced through a donation of scientific equipment by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The equipment, valued at some $ US 10,000, was handed over yesterday and included a pH meter, a microscope, a turbo water bath and a scientific timer which will enhance the laboratory’s operational capacity to carry out critical testing for various animal diseases.

The materials were handed over by PAHO representative to Guyana, Dr. Kathleen Israel, to Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, at the Laboratory located in the Ministry’s compound on Regent and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Dr. Israel said PAHO and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are committed to working with government in strengthening initiatives designed to improve the health of the local people.

The representative of the two global organisations pointed out that many common human diseases have their genesis in animals and the equipment will assist the Ministry to detect these problems at an early stage.

One example, she cited is the Bird Flu which started in Asia and resulted in the death of more than 100 people in that part of the globe.

The health expert also underscored that while Guyana has systems in place to address the problem, it cannot be prevented because the disease is being transported by migratory birds.

Persaud expressed gratitude to PAHO and said the equipment will greatly assist the laboratory in carrying out more in-depth tests for various diseases.

He stressed that it will enhance the Ministry’s drive to ensure a healthy poultry and livestock industry which is pivotal to Guyana meeting regional and international export requirements.

Persaud also appealed for the private sector’s support to his Ministry in carrying out its programmes.

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a state of the art diagnostic laboratory at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Agriculture Diversification Project.

Technical Manager with responsibility for animal services, Mr. Michael Welch, said the initiative apart from ensuring a healthy animal population will also guarantee the availability of safe and wholesome foods.

The laboratory located in the ministry’s compound was established on June 22 2006.

Veterinary Officer attached to the institution, Dr. Renard Overton, said since its inception some 522 parasite analysis sample tests and 200 blood analyses have been carried out.