Moldova Initiates The Avian Influenza Prevention Training Program and Campaign With USAID Assistance March 3, 2006
Today the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova has launched a three month Avian Influenza Prevention Training Program, funded by the United States Government through the Agency for International Development (USAID). As part of the Agribusiness Development Program (ADP), implemented by CNFA®, and in collaboration with the National Agency for Rural Development (ACSA) and the Association of the Veterinarians of Moldova (AMV), the program will complement the Moldovan Government’s efforts to reduce the risk of avian influenza spreading into Moldova.
The implementers of the USAID-funded Avian Influenza Training Program will organize 875 seminars at the rayon and village levels to disseminate information on Avian Influenza preventative measures, targeting households who own poultry, small poultry growers, local authorities, and the state veterinarian service. During these seminars, trained specialists will distribute 10,000 posters and 100,000 leaflets describing “best practices” within the International Community to reduce the potential outbreak of Avian Influenza. The timing is critical, as the balance of the scheduled seminars will occur prior to the spring-time migration of wild birds northward across Moldova. A follow-on aspect of the Avian Influenza prevention program will be the design and establishment of three (3) model poultry farms which will illustrate how to more safely raise poultry within private households. It is estimated that at least 100,000 small, rural poultry growers will be reached directly by the Avian Influenza Training Program’s activities. In addition, ACSA’s regional centers and rayon-level veterinarian departments will serve as a continuing resource for the population by providing information on Avian Influenza prevention. The benefits from the USAID-funded Avian Influenza Training Program will impact all citizens of Moldova. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry believes that these efforts will result in a significant decrease in the number of poultry raised under risk conditions. Additionally, by significantly reducing the contact of poultry with wild migratory birds, Moldova can further reduce the potential spread of this disease. The Ministry of Agriculture and its partners welcome all support that the media can provide in promoting the benefits of the Avian Influenza Training Program. | 
