BVI Farmers Complete Livestock Deworming Workshop
Thirty-four local farmers have completed a specialized livestock deworming training session hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The hands-on workshop focused on early parasite detection, dosage calculation, and pasture management to boost herd health and farm profitability across the Virgin Islands.
Thirty-four local farmers are now better equipped to protect animal health and boost agricultural profitability after completing a specialized livestock deworming workshop organized by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The practical training session was held at the Learning Resource Centre at the H.
Director of Agriculture and Fisheries Theodore E. James welcomed the strong turnout, describing it as an important milestone for the Virgin Islands livestock sector. He commended the participants for dedicating their time to raising animal care standards across the Territory and urged them to maintain strict herd records and treat their operations with a serious business mindset.
James emphasized that internal parasites represent a hidden financial drain on local agricultural operations. "Worms don’t announce themselves. They show up as weight loss, poor growth, low productivity and sometimes the loss of an animal. Each of those is money leaving your pocket," James stated.
He stressed that treating livestock care as a commercial priority is vital for maintaining healthy, revenue-generating herds. The comprehensive workshop covered major topics relating to common intestinal parasites, placing particular emphasis on the destructive barber pole worm that frequently affects sheep and goats.
Farmers were trained to recognize early clinical signs of infection and introduced to targeted diagnostic tools, including the FAMACHA chart and faecal egg counts, to help determine which animals require treatment. Attendees also examined pasture management strategies and the responsible use of dewormers to curb reinfection cycles and slow down the development of drug resistance.
During interactive practical sessions, participants learned how to use weight tapes to accurately estimate an animal’s weight, calculate correct medication doses, and safely administer treatments. The format also provided farmers with a platform to ask questions, share practical experiences from their own holdings, and practice techniques that can be applied immediately on their farms.
The workshop concluded with all thirty-four participants receiving certificates of completion. Department officials confirmed that this session is part of an ongoing initiative to bolster agricultural capabilities and food security throughout the British Virgin Islands. James affirmed the department's commitment to continuing its outreach and education efforts for local agriculturalists. "We will keep bringing practical, hands-on training to farmers and producers across every sector we serve," James said, noting that upcoming sessions will target crop and livestock farmers, fish producers, and beekeepers.
Primary source: BVI Government