USAID Strengthens Avian Influenza Surveillance, Biosecurity, and Response in Turkmenistan

PAS No 233 
March 13, 2009

Turkmen veterinarians are learning to apply new techniques for quickly diagnosing avian flu

Ashgabat, March 12, 2009 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its STOP Avian Influenza (STOP AI) Project, in partnership with Turkmenistan's Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry launched a three-day training seminar at the Grand Turkmen Hotel for leading veterinary and human health specialists from all provinces. Following the training, there will be a set of two-day seminars for specialists in other regions of the country:

• 16-17 March in Ashgabat for participants from Ahal province
• 19-20 March in Mary city for participants from Mary province
• 23-24 March in Turkmenabad for participants from Lebap province
• 26-27 in Dashoguz city for participants from Dashoguz province
• 29-30 March in Turkmenbashy city for participants from Balkan province 

Over 125 specialists will receive training on practical aspects of epidemiological and veterinary surveillance. They will also learn about biosecurity issues and receive a detailed description list of actions in case of possible High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HP AI) outbreaks at local levels. “STOP AI” in partnership with Turkmenistan's “Turkmenmallary” Association will repeat this training in relatively high risk areas of the country.

Avian Influenza preparedness is one of the many assistance projects made possible by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  Since 1993, USAID have provided more than $80 million in programs that support Turkmenistan’s economic growth, social sector, and community initiatives.