Deputy Agriculture Minister meets US Embassy and FHI 360 representatives 

Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Lasha Avaliani met with representatives of the US Embassy and the American organization FHI 360 to discuss activities planned under the ongoing “Achieving Goals and Maintaining Epidemic Control” (EpiC) project.

According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the project focuses on the early detection and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, strengthening veterinary and laboratory capacities, and improving capabilities for genomic research and genetic traceability.

Avaliani said the project is important for the sustainability and development of Georgia’s poultry sector.

“The project will strengthen the capacity of field and state veterinarians to detect and control highly pathogenic avian influenza at an early stage. Laboratory capacities will also be enhanced, including in genetic analysis and genomic traceability,” Avaliani said.

He noted that avian influenza is a zoonotic disease that can potentially spread from animals to humans. Therefore, relevant agencies and laboratories under both the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs will participate in the project.

“This will contribute to the early detection and study of the disease, as well as its traceability at the genomic level,” Avaliani said.

The project also envisages training veterinarians, farmers and other relevant specialists on the early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza and appropriate response measures.

According to the ministry, the initiative will help improve Georgia’s response system to zoonotic diseases, facilitate their early detection and strengthen laboratory capabilities.