John Myers Jr., Agriculture Coordinator
THE MINISTRY of Agriculture is seeking $64 million to assist with the cost of implementing measures to guard against the deadly avian flu (bird flu) virus.
Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke told Farmers Weekly that a request has been submitted to Cabinet seeking $14 million, and the additional $50 million is being sought through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He said a budget has been submitted to CARICOM.
Mr. Clarke said the committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the various agricultural agencies, the Ministry of Health, the Customs Department and the police, has been set up to monitor the virus and was currently working with "the broiler companies to (establish a system) to track down every farmer who is in the business." He added that "we have a record now (to show) the people who sell chicken with their address so we can monitor those farms because the bigger farms they operate with proper sanitary facilities but the little backyard farmers those are the ones we have to deal with."
SLAUGHTERING FACILITIES NEEDED
The Agriculture Minister pointed out that there was an urgent need to establish certifiable slaughtering facilities in the island. "We might have to find ways and means to have central, small slaughtering facilities where people can take their birds to instead of each one having their own little thing in their backyard," Mr. Clarke said.
Keith Amiel, president of the Caribbean Agri Business Association, speaking at function recently, emphasised the need for commercial chicken growers and processors to put in place the necessary safeguards, given the seriousness of the virus that has wiped out several chicken and bird populations in Asia and Europe. Furthermore, he said "our small farmers and cottage processors must be educated to understand that in this fight everybody matters." He, however, stressed that "they should not be overwhelmed by the potential scope of the disease."
To assist in guarding against an outbreak of the avian flu, Mr. Amiel recommends that farmers:
Do not allow friends or relatives not directly involved in the poultry operations near pens.
Invest in spray pans and foot baths for disinfecting personnel and vehicles on the farm.
Make pens wild bird or backyard bird proof to prevent contact with chickens.
Set up an outside shower area.
Change clothes and bathe in between entering and leaving pens.
Store clothes worn on the farm on the compound.
