One of the best ways to prevent and mitigate future disease outbreaks is through international collaboration.
The 17th annual Pacific Partnership assisted the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) with teaching veterinary care and disease prevention to some of the country’s farmers, particularly for pig and poultry farms. The partnership is made up of veterinarians and vet technicians from Australia, Japan and the U.S.
“Animals – particularly these — are found in communities all around the world, and we all have different knowledge about raising animals,” said U.S. Army veterinarian Capt. Katie Stewart. “We are excited about this opportunity to learn from each other and support the farmers of the Solomon Islands.”
The team focused on farms in Honiara and Guadalcanal as well as two slaughterhouses, and while swine and poultry are the primary focus, the mission also provides education on and treatment for animals like goats, ducks, dogs and cats as well. Preventing the spread of disease between animals is a vital topic, especially after the most recent global avian influenza outbreak, but disease spreading from animals to people is another key issue that the team addresses.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities that the Pacific Partnership brings to the farmers of the Solomon Islands, where we currently lack veterinary services. We hope to take advantage of this chance to get as much information as possible to improve veterinary care in the country,” said Permanent Secretary Ethel Tebengi Frances, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. “MAL would also like to acknowledge the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the South Korean government and Delivery Associates for its funding of advisor Jasmin Johnson and team, who have been instrumental in supporting MAL to work with this group.”
The partnership will also increase its outreach by putting out information via MAL’s radio program, Famas Kona, on SIBC.
According to the official U.S. Navy website, the Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.
