TO enhance veterinary diagnostics in Fiji, the Ministry of Agriculture received a $320,000 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory that was opened at the Koronivia Vet Laboratory in Nausori last week.
The PCR laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that will support the Fiji Veterinary Pathology staff members in upskilling their diagnostic capabilities around the country.
Agriculture Minister Vatimi Rayalu said the new laboratory marked a new chapter towards the ministry’s commitment to the health and well-being of livestock and the sustainability in the agricultural sector.
“As we gather to inaugurate our new PCR laboratory, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey that has brought us to this moment,” Mr Rayalu said.
“The PCR technology allows for the rapid and accurate detection of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites in biological samples.
“This means that we can now diagnose diseases with greater speed and precision, enabling us to implement timely and targeted interventions to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases among our livestock.”
The PCR technology can detect pathogens even at low concentrations, making it useful for early disease detection and crucial for preventing disease outbreaks and minimising economic losses in the agricultural sector.
In addition, the technology would also allow for the detection of multiple pathogens in a single test, saving time and resources compared with traditional diagnostic methods.
Mr Rayalu said the lab would not have been possible without the generous funding by the European Union and the Pacific Community (SPC).
He said the PCR laboratory would also serve as a hub for research and innovation in veterinary medicine.
