MALD veterinary officers conduct livestock disease surveillance and farmer outreach across Malaita to improve animal health.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through its Livestock Department, has successfully conducted an animal health disease awareness and surveillance outreach programme across Auki, North Road and South Road in Malaita Province from the 10th to 13th August.
The outreach formed part of MALD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen livestock health, improve farm management and biosecurity practices, and support sustainable livestock production in Solomon Islands.
During the field programme, MALD veterinary officers visited livestock farms and communities to conduct disease surveillance, provide basic veterinary services, identify animal health problems, and provide practical advice on animal husbandry and disease prevention. The team also collected initial information and samples from chickens, pigs and cattle to support disease surveillance and improve understanding of livestock health issues in the province.
A key focus of the programme was strengthening farmers’ knowledge of appropriate animal husbandry practices, disease prevention and early reporting of animal health problems. Farmers were also given opportunities to ask questions and discuss challenges affecting their livestock production.
Veterinary officers successfully identified and addressed animal health problems affecting cattle and pigs during the visits. The team also shared technical advice on pig husbandry, including the appropriate use of vitamin A, D and E supplementation to support animal growth and overall health.
Dr. Rodney Star, Livestock Veterinary Consultant and leader of the MALD veterinary outreach programme, said the livestock observed during the visit were generally healthy, well cared for and adequately fed.
“It is evident that the livestock officers based in Auki are well known and respected by the farmers we met,” he said.
However, he noted that livestock officers continue to face challenges in reaching farmers in more remote parts of Malaita due to limited resources for travel, restricted supplies of veterinary medicines and limited laboratory support.
Dr. Star also highlighted the importance of strengthening veterinary services in the province, noting that the completion of the new Ministry building is expected to improve facilities, communication and vehicle access for livestock services.
The outreach also identified an important area requiring further attention, particularly the limited use of vaccines within the pig industry in Malaita Province. Continued awareness and technical support will be important in strengthening disease prevention and biosecurity practices among pig farmers.
Farmers welcomed the veterinary outreach and expressed strong interest in receiving more regular visits, practical livestock health training and timely information on disease prevention, treatment and animal care. They also raised concerns about access to veterinary officers, medicines and follow-up services.
The farmers were particularly encouraged by the news that five newly graduated veterinarians have joined MALD, which is expected to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to extend veterinary and animal health services into provinces and rural communities.
The successful outreach demonstrates the importance of bringing veterinary services directly to livestock farmers and communities. Regular disease surveillance, early identification of animal health problems, farmer awareness and improved biosecurity will remain critical to protecting livestock production and supporting the livelihoods of farming communities.
MALD will continue working with livestock farmers, provincial authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen animal health surveillance, improve husbandry practices and promote a healthier and more productive livestock sector across Solomon Islands.
MALD PRESS RELEASE
