THE US$2.5M Guyana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Mon Repos on the East Coast Demerara that will have the capability to test, detect and diagnose diseases that may affect animals and the public’s health is 55% complete, and is expected to be completed by late November.

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy made this disclosure while speaking to the media Wednesday following his visit to the worksite.
This laboratory will be equipped to test for brucellosis which is caused by bacteria and affects mainly animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle and dogs, bovine (cattle) diseases, leptospirosis and tuberculosis, among others.

It is also expected to strengthen the overall animal health system and advance the livestock sector, while increasing production for local consumption and export.

The laboratory is located on the site of what was previously the Animal Health Lab which was barely ever used and was not functioning as a full-fledged lab. The old facility was demolished and redesigned.

Food Security
Dr Ramsammy in his visit to the worksite in July said that this veterinary diagnostic lab is critical because Guyana wants to consolidate its food security, and therefore animal health is very important.

He had also mentioned the Animal Welfare Bill which is intended to address the wellbeing of animals, not only how they are cared for, but also the amount of weight the animals carry and their health.

“We can’t talk about looking at the health of animals and not have a credible animal health lab,” he had said.

Minister Ramsammy had also stated that while Guyana will do some testing abroad, government wants to ensure that basic laboratory testing for animals is available here.