On 21-22 October 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam, organized a farm biosecurity training program in Guwahati, Assam.

Poultry farming plays a vital role in the rural economy and is indispensable for food security among rural households. It is mostly carried out in the backyard where health and management aspects are often overlooked. The training was integral to assessing current farm biosecurity practices, increasing awareness and promoting vaccination among poultry farmers, veterinarians and community workers in the state of Assam.

Supported by the United States Agency For International Development (USAID), the two-day training was attended by over 50 participants and included classroom lectures followed by field demonstrations on donning and doffing of PPE Kit, preparation of footbaths and using disinfectants for cleaning and disinfection of farms. The assessment exercise was conducted using a proforma, along with a practical demonstration on the collection of samples for disease diagnosis and the use of bulk vaccinators by poultry farmers and community animal health workers for effective vaccination of birds.  The objective of these exercises was to impart practical and affordable biosecurity interventions that can enhance productivity and reduce the use of antimicrobials in the poultry sector.