-says variety of measures have been taken
Confirming that Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) has been a significant problem in the poultry industry here, the Ministry of Agriculture says it has taken a series of actions to address the issue
In a statement on Monday, the ministry was responding to report in that day’s edition of Stabroek News where PNCR MP Vinceroy Jordan criticized the government over the problem. The ministry’s press release was only made available to Stabroek News yesterday.
In a statement on Sunday, the PNCR criticized the government for what it said was negligence in handling the IBH outbreak, which reportedly has led to significant losses for poultry farmers across Guyana. The party’s press release highlighted claims of high mortality rates among poultry, particularly in small and medium-sized farms, with Jordan demanding transparency and immediate action from the Ministry.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture on Monday dismissed these claims, asserting that the PNCR’s criticisms overlooked the comprehensive measures implemented under the PPP/C administration to address IBH. The Ministry emphasized its strategies and significant investments aimed at curbing the disease and supporting the poultry sector. It also said that IBH was the reason behind the closure of the DIDCO poultry facility.
Since IBH was first detected in Guyana in 2005 and with confirmation in 2006 at the DIDCO farm, the Ministry of Agriculture said it has made substantial efforts to manage the disease, including:
1. Investment in vaccines: A total of $29 million has been allocated for vaccine procurement.
2. Recruitment of international experts: Poultry pathologists, virologists, and nutritionists have been engaged to enhance disease management.
3. Legislative support: New legislation has strengthened regulatory frameworks and hatchery compliance.
4. Virus isolation and typing: Critical research has been conducted to isolate and type the virus.
5. Development of an autogenous vaccine: An autogenous vaccine was developed in 2021, marking a significant advancement in disease control.
6. Sourcing of hatching eggs from vaccinated flocks: This strategy aims to improve chick immunity and reduce disease transmission.
7. Broiler breeder programme: An investment of $20 million has been made to establish a broiler breeder programme, ensuring national self-sufficiency.
The Ministry also noted that while other countries continue to struggle with diseases like Newcastle and Bird Flu, Guyana has managed to contain these threats through strategic interventions. The Ministry attributed this success to the dedication of the agricultural sector and effective national disease control strategies.
Contrary to Jordan’s assertions, the Ministry highlighted that during the APNU+AFC administration from 2015 to 2020, the poultry sector lacked significant support and intervention. The Ministry said that it was only when the PPP/C returned to office that decisive actions were taken to address the challenges facing the poultry industry.
The Ministry acknowledged the challenges posed by IBH, particularly during the resurgence in 2015 and the exacerbation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and historic flooding. Despite these difficulties, the Ministry asserts that its interventions have been effective in mitigating the disease’s impact.
Addressing specific concerns raised by Jordan, the Ministry assured that veterinary officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority are actively overseeing hatchery practices and vaccine quality. Additionally, the Ministry emphasized ongoing efforts to improve transparency and support for affected farmers.
On July 20, Managing Director of Bounty Farms Ltd, and poultry industry representative, David Fernandes, confirmed that there is a shortage of chicken on the market.
In an interview with the Sunday Stabroek, he acknowledged that these shortages have caused supermarket prices to rise by an average of five per cent nationwide and according to Fernandes, the shortage stems from a combination of factors including increased consumer demand, ongoing disease challenges, and disruptions in international supply chains.
According to www.msdvetmanual.com, Inclusion body hepatitis and hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome are diseases of young broilers caused by fowl adenoviruses. Clinical signs are nonspecific but often include a sudden increase in mortality. Definitive diagnosis is usually made by histopathology or PCR. There is no treatment, but prevention is achieved by vaccination.
