Roadtown, Tortola - The Veterinary Division of the Department of Agriculture is now better equipped to screen the Territory’s food producing population thanks to a recent investment in laboratory equipment.

The Department of Agriculture recently purchased a specialised microscope, a bacterial incubator and two centrifuges which will allow them to conduct disease surveillance among animal herds in the Territory.  

The Veterinary Division is particularly interested in the potential prevalence of food-borne pathogens especially the E-coli and Salmonella species which are commonly found in the digestive tract of otherwise normal and healthy chickens and pigs.

Chief Agricultural Officer Mr. Bevin Braithwaite informed the Department of Information and Public Relations that although the Territory does not have any confirmed cases of such diseases, efforts must be put in place to mitigate against the potential impact on public health.

“There are no known cases to us in the Virgin Islands, however we need to take the appropriate measures to ensure it is kept that way so that the potential risk is managed. By having this equipment and screening the herds we can better manage that risk and mitigate against its effects,” Mr. Braithwaite said.

The Department of Agricultures aims to maintain and improve the health status of the Territory’s farm animals by providing an effective and efficient service to all.  This is in keeping with the Department’s goal to enhance the agricultural development within the Territory while promoting sustainable agricultural growth.