Small livestock farms are growing across Vanuatu, but animal diseases remain a major threat to farmers’ livelihoods.

A livestock officer said one way to address this challenge is to have more Paravet officers in communities who can support farmers with animal health.

The Department of Livestock has identified this need and is equipping extension officers in different provinces with technical skills through Paravet training.

Dr. Stephen Cobb, Veterinary Operations Manager at the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, said the 16-week Paravet course is designed to provide all the knowledge needed to care for animals.

“Bacteria can enter through sores, so we must know how to treat wounds properly,” he explained during the training.

Since April, the South Pacific Community (SPC), the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have been training more than 30 livestock extension officers in Port Vila and Santo. These officers are based in different provinces across Vanuatu.

The aim of the program is to improve animal health services, so officers can quickly identify and control diseases and support farmers in their communities.

Dr. Cobb said, “The skills that the extension officers are learning are important because we don’t have enough experts in animal care in Vanuatu. This training will help fill that gap.”

Tony Veri, an officer who will be based in Torba Province, said services like this are needed across the country because they link directly to livelihoods and food security.

“When animals are healthy, it means the food we eat is also safe and healthy, which benefits our communities,” he said.

In Tafea Province, livestock officer Philip Naros said many farmers are not aware of common diseases or the signs that animals are sick. He explained that the training will help officers transfer knowledge straight to farmers to improve the health of their pigs, cattle, goats, chickens, ducks, and sheep.

The training covered how to prevent, identify, and treat diseases in different animals.

This program is seen as a major step in building local capacity for animal health. With more Paravet officers working in the field, farmers will have greater support, healthier animals, and stronger food security.