Vietnamese communities benefit from veterinary assistance
An Army Environmental Health Officer is using his civilian skills as a veterinarian to improve the health of livestock in Vietnam for the benefit of farming communities.
Army Reserve officer Major Brett Jones is one of 40 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving aboard US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy on Pacific Partnership 2012, a US Navy-led exercise providing humanitarian and civic assistance missions in the Asia – Pacific region.
“Being in Vietnam is an exciting and a very different type of opportunity,” Major Jones said.
“It’s also hot and hard work, but very worthwhile.”
At home Major Jones is a small animal-specialist at West Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital in New South Wales. His work in Pacific Partnership involves larger animals on which their owners depend for their livelihood.
“Most people in this region are subsistence farmers operating on a low-volume output,” Major Jones said.
“Typically they have one or two pigs or cows per family and the families are heavily dependent on these animals to produce offspring for food and income.
“However, while the families do their utmost to care for their animals they are still susceptible to disease and pests.
“So by coming here and helping them with both disease control and subject matter expert exchanges we can leave a lasting legacy of better animal health for the community.”
Chairman of the Hung Tan People’s Committee Mr Nguyen Trong Thuc said the people of the village were highly appreciative of the assistance given by the Pacific Partnership veterinarians.
“Rural development is one of the most important missions in this area,” he said.
“Right now we have a lot of challenges with animal diseases, so we are paying close attention to the information we have been given.”
Over 1000 military and non-government organisation professionals are providing free medical, dental, engineering and veterinary projects as part of Pacific Partnership 2012, to improve regional response to natural disasters.