THE Ministry of Agriculture has strongly refuted allegations made by Vinceroy Jordan in a recent Stabroek News article regarding the management of Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) in Guyana’s poultry industry.
Jordan emphasised the severe economic and health impacts of the disease but failed to acknowledge the proactive measures taken by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration to combat it.
IBH, first detected in Guyana in 2005 and confirmed in 2006 at the DIDCO farm, has significantly threatened the poultry sector, leading to substantial economic losses and the closure of the DIDCO facility. The Ministry swiftly responded by recruiting regional poultry pathologists and initiating a national IBH control plan, which has effectively reduced the disease’s incidence over the years.

The Agriculture Ministry noted that the resurgence of IBH in 2015, particularly in the Berbice region, highlighted the persistent threat of the disease. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and historic flooding further exacerbated the situation, challenging existing vaccination Programmes.

In response, the Ministry implemented several critical interventions: Sourcing and Procurement of Vaccines: An investment of 29 million GYD has been made to secure vaccines for combating IBH; Recruitment of International Experts: The Ministry has hired poultry pathologists, virologists, and nutritionists to enhance disease management capabilities.; Legislative Support: Key legislation has been passed to support staff activities and ensure hatchery compliance; Virus Isolation and Typing: Efforts have been made to isolate and type the virus, providing valuable insights for targeted interventions; Development of an Autogenous Vaccine: In 2021, an autogenous vaccine was developed for the first time in Guyana; Sourcing of Hatching Eggs from Vaccinated Flocks: This strategy aims to improve chick immunity from the outset, reducing disease transmission; and Broiler Breeder Programme: A 20 million GYD investment has been made to establish a broiler breeder Programme, ensuring national self-sufficiency and enhancing poultry immunity.
While many countries continue to battle diseases like Newcastle and Bird Flu, Guyana has managed to keep these threats at bay through the Ministry’s strategic interventions. This success highlights the effectiveness of the national disease control strategies and the dedication of the agricultural sector.

Under the PPP/C government, the Ministry noted that the poultry sector is thriving, bolstered by support from the oil and gas sector and extensive research on hepatitis. In contrast, during the APNU+AFC administration from 2015-2020, poultry farmers received minimal support, leaving them to fend for themselves. It was only with the return of the PPP/C to office that significant actions were taken to address these challenges.

In conclusion, while IBH remains a significant challenge, the Ministry of Agriculture’s comprehensive and proactive approach has significantly mitigated its impact. Continued vigilance, investment, and innovation will be crucial in safeguarding Guyana’s poultry industry and ensuring its resilience against future threats.