FAO and Director of Veterinary Services Launch Second ISAVET cohort Training
The Directorate of Veterinary Services in collaboration with the Baringo County supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through USAID funding, today launched the training of field front line animal health professionals drawn from 20 counties and 2 from the Regional Veterinary Investigation Laboratory, Nakuru, and an export slaughterhouse. The frontline animal health professionals will be trained on applied epidemiology skills for better control and management of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases using new diagnostic and surveillance skills.
What does ISAVET entail?
The Frontline In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) strives to improve the preparedness of field staff for early detection, rapid and effective response to disease outbreaks. The program uses applied, hands-on, in-service training to build a cadre of skilled frontline veterinary workforce who can conduct effective surveillance and outbreak response using a One Health approach. In particular, ISAVET’s implementation intends to build capacity for timely detection and response to emerging infectious diseases and transboundary animal diseases. The course specifically targets transboundary, zoonotic, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and tackles the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within a One Health context.
The 25 trainees will undergo the one-month didactic classwork that will focus on disease epidemio-surveillance, preparedness, field and outbreak investigations, response to field cases, communication, preparedness, ethics and professionalism, and One Health. Thereafter, each trainee will undergo a three-month practical field exercise in his/her respective work station.
A Shot in the Arm
Speaking during the event the FAO - Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) team lead, Folorunso Fasina noted that FAO is supporting the training of frontline veterinarians to improve disease surveillance, reporting and control in countries. “Building the capacity of professionals in the animal health sector in field epidemiology is part of FAO's mission and is one of the objectives of the Global Health” He added.
Dr. Winnie Bore, the Baringo County Chief Officer Livestock and Fisheries lauded the training and noted that it is very much needed as it will help the county in the control of zoonosis and important livestock diseases like Rift Valley Fever, Peste des petits ruminants, and anthrax among others.
Mr. Sam Kiminza who represented the Director of Veterinary Services reiterated the national government support to counties when it comes to livestock diseases prevention and control and such trainings will go a long way in improving livestock health and productivity.
Resources
Frontline In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training
https://www.fao.org/3/ca7015en/CA7015EN.pdf
Contacts:
Joseph Othieno
Communications Specialist,
e-mail: [email protected]