ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Mar. 17, CMC – Poultry farmers here are being encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect their birds from the Avian Influenza virus.

At a one day workshop , Wednesday, organized by the Caribbean Veterinary Network, the Food and Agricultural Organisation, (FAO) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the farmers were made aware of the steps that must be taken to prevent the disease that has already affected poultry in several countries.

“We want to do our best to make sure that farmers are prepared to keep it out, and in the event that it gets here we would know what we have to do in order to control the situation,” said St. Vincent and the Grenadines Veterinarian Dr. Monica Davis.

She said in order for farmers to be prepared they have to be knowledgeable of the situation.

“One of the key things is knowing, and once you know then you can put whatever measures that is necessary for your farm in place.”

National Specialist for IICA Craig Thomas said the workshop focused on creating awareness within the farming community on the virus.

“This seminar links to wider national and regional efforts to ready the region to mitigate the threat of the virus, which is in the USA, and has significantly impacted the poultry industry,” Thomas said.