Afghan Livestock Receive Health Aid
Free vet clinics offered to local farmers.
Compiled by staff
Published: Mar 19, 2010
In Afghanistan, a military team secures the perimeter, constantly watching the ridgelines for potential attacks; local workers are patted down for weapons. Within the confines of a secure zone, dozens of farmers and their children line up to wait. They bring their goats, sheep, cows, bulls, even a pet monkey to be looked at by a U.S. animal health care team.
The agribusiness team is comprised of American soldiers, most of whom have an agricultural background, and American civilians who work with local Afghan veterinarians. One of their projects is to offer free veterinary clinics to local farmers in a region so poor that nearly 40% of the population is malnourished.
At the clinics, the animals receive vaccinations and shots including tetanus and rabies, plus treatment for internal and external parasites, worms and lice. According to Lt. Robert Parry their mission is to strengthen the government's relationship with the people through the foundation of their livelihood which is agriculture. The clinics are held between firefights.
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Tagged: animal health
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