THE PARAVET TRAINING PROJECT Animal Health and Production Land Resources Division

Project Background Loss of production caused by livestock diseases and the risk of human being exposed to diseases carried by animals are major obstacles to development of livestock sector in the Pacific Island Countries. The development of livestock sector has been complicated further by an acute shortage of qualified veterinarians and animal production specialists in the region.

Project Goals To train livestock workers to enable an increase in animal productivity resulting in increased income generating opportunities by: Controlling or preventing diseases Improving animal husbandry practices Protect public health by reducing exposure to diseases carried by animals &/or animal products

Project Goals cont’d Increase awareness of the dangers if introduction of exotic diseases through training in disease recognition and surveillance Protect the environment by promoting environmentally acceptable livestock farming systems Facilitate trade development by helping satisfy WTO requirements for animal health information

The Demand for PARAVET The need was first identified in 1951 when the development of regional approach to training animal health care specialists was recommended PHALPS X re-emphasised the need for para-veterinary training and recommended that SPC develop such training programmes The recommendation was endorsed by the 16th meeting of CRGA and the South Pacific Conference. This recommendation was subsequently endorsed by PHALPS X111 and XIV the 28 th Meeting of CRGA, which is indicative of full government support and also by later PHALPS. (Nadi, 2001)

The Demand for PARAVET cont’d A training needs assessment was carried out in 13 of the 22 member countries in 1998 A MOU between ADAP – SPC and USP was signed in 1999 in which the 3 institutions agreed to collaborate in the development of a Paraveterinary Training Programme to prevent duplication

Avoidance of residential courses Maximum use of in country trainers Maximum use of in-country facilities Minimum disruption of work related activities PHALPS following guidelines for the development of the course

The paravet is the eyes and ears of the veterinarian at the community level. A paravet is not a qualified veterinarian but he is responsible for providing animal health care and animal production advice to people in their communities. What is a Paravet?

In the Pacific context, this training programme is designed for people who work with animals but have not had any formal training in animal health or animal production This programme is intended in particular for extension officers involved in providing services to farmers in the field. Target Goals

Recognize signs of disease in animals Treat sick animals Advise farmers on correct livestock management practices Ensure that animals are slaughtered in a hygienic and humane way What will a Paravet do?

treat those sick animals that he can, given the resources available to him and refer sick animals to the nearest veterinarian if he is unable to treat them provide advice to members of the community on animal production and health issues. visit farmers and advise members of his community on how to improve animal productivity carry out surveillance for the introduction of exotic diseases What will a Paravet do? Cont’d

Originally, it was planned that a total of 6 courses will be developed : Introductory course Pig and Poultry Animal Health and Production Ruminant Animal Health and Production Quarantine and Exotic Diseases Meat Hygiene and Food Safety Livestock and the Environment How many Courses?

Course manual developed and delivery commenced A 16 week course 2 Day orientation/launching ASSESSMENT 3 assignments30 marks 1 week practical summer school5 marks Written examination50 marks Oral and practical examination15 marks Introduction Course

Trainees in the field - Samoa

Samoa Practical Session

PARAVET Graduation Introductory Course Samoa

PARAVET PHOTOS

Written Paravet Exams in Saipan

Paravet Practical Demonstration in Saipan