This initiative draws upon the participation of small poultry farmers in a radio series and videocassette designed to help prevent an outbreak of avian influenza in this region. Namely, the farmer Juan Galvan is the main character in the IICA's communication efforts, which are designed to reach small- and medium-scale producers (including those with only a few birds in their backyards) with avian influenza prevention information.

Specifically, the radio series "Mas vale prevenir…" ("An ounce of prevention…"), comprises ten 6-minute chapters that tell the story of long-time farmer Juan Galvan, who, when learning of the possibility of an outbreak of avian influenza, decides to follow the advice of agricultural health specialists and take a few easy and inexpensive biosafety measures on his farm. General information on the disease, the basics of preventive measures, and the correct response in the face of an outbreak in the country are addressed in the different chapters of the series, which can be broadcast over the radio or used in on-site training activities.

In addition, the 10-minute video "Bird Flu Prevention is possible" explains what the disease is, how to protect the farm (before the virus arrives), safety measures to be implemented, and the symptoms sick birds will display. The mini-documentary is accompanied by 3 television spots also aimed at preventing the transmission of the disease on small poultry farms. In this video, men and women in indigenous and afro-descendant communities show how, with a minimal investment, it is possible to prevent diseases that put not only their small farm, but also human health, at risk.

A core strategy (and challenge) shaping these efforts was to use a language that could be understood in any country, and to create scenarios that would be familiar to poultry farmers in the Andean region, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Recorded at the IICA studio, a group of actors of different nationalities played the different parts in the series. In addition, an artist from Argentina living in Central America provided the music, which was "rooted in our folklore but played on modern musical instruments, which is representative of all of our nations, but no one in particular."

Natural Resource Management, Health.