Solomon Islands officers complete AgriBioscience epidemiology and LAMP training to strengthen animal health systems
Solomon Islands has taken a step toward strengthening animal health, food security, and public health with the completion of the AgriBioscience Epidemiology and LAMP Training Program, held from 17 to 28 November 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.
The two-week training program brought together five officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) with the aim of strengthening national capacity in animal disease surveillance, investigation, and response.
The training was conducted at OMNI Animal Health Consultancy and focused on developing practical field epidemiology skills through an integrated, hands-on learning approach. Participants were trained to investigate and manage animal diseases using a “One Health” perspective that considers environmental, animal, human, and data-related factors.
The program consisted of two core components: field epidemiology training and LAMP (Livestock Data and Monitoring Platform) training. These components were designed to strengthen technical skills, support data-informed decision-making, and improve disease management practices across the Solomon Islands.
Epidemiology was introduced as the “ecology of disease”, a dynamic science that recognises the interactions between ecosystems, animal management practices, climate, and community behaviour. Participants were introduced to a practical framework based on four key interactions:
- “Talking to the earth” by assessing environmental and ecological factors;
- “Talking to the animals” through observation, clinical examination, and sampling;
- “Talking to the people” by gathering histories and understanding local contexts; and
- “Talking to the data” by analysing disease patterns, trends, and linkages using epidemiological tools.
By integrating information from these four sources, participants gained skills to support informed, practical, and context-appropriate decisions for preventing and controlling animal diseases.
Animal health remains a national priority for the Solomon Islands, where livestock contribute to food security, livelihoods, and cultural practices. At a global level, the World Health Organization has identified that most emerging human infectious diseases originate from animals, underscoring the role of animal health systems in protecting both agriculture and public health.
The training also highlighted ongoing challenges, including limited veterinary infrastructure, workforce shortages, and resource constraints. Identified pathways forward include continued collaboration with AgriBioscience Agriculture Victoria, integration of training materials into national education and capacity-building programs, expanded disease surveillance activities, and increased engagement with policymakers and livestock producers.
This initiative reflects a shared vision of “Healthy Animals for a Healthy Solomon Islands” and supports efforts to strengthen animal health systems that contribute to sustainable agriculture, economic development, and community wellbeing nationwide.
SOURCE : MAL Media Release
