"Herriot of Helmand"

One of the cornerstones of VIVA's mission is the provision of basic animal healthcare to small-holder farmers in the Developing World. An interesting illustration of the importance of this work is seen in the impact a British Army vet is having in Afghanistan. Dubbed the "Herriot of Helmand", Capt Miles Malone is an officer in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps looking after military dogs in Helmand Province. Once a month he operates a pioneering veterinary clinic where Afghan farmers can bring their livestock for a free check-up and a dose of preventative healthcare.

In this region goats, sheep, cows and donkeys are prized and valuable possessions, so much so that the womenfolk make colourful beaded necklaces to adorn the necks of livestock. According to Capt. Malone, "animal livestock forms the lifeblood of these local communities and by improving the health of the herd, we can in turn have a positive impact on the health, wealth and general well-being of the population". In addition, he points out that by improving animal health, the animal’s capacity to produce meat and milk is improved. Human health also improves as animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans e.g brucellosis, are eradicated.
In this region although livestock are prized possessions, there is, according to capt Malones's colleague, Sgt. Major Reeve, a widespread ignorance about basic animal husbandry. "Farmers here have absolutely no idea about animal husbandry. There is near total ignorance about causes and spread of disease, breeding cycles and how milk is produced. If a goat stops milking, it is said to be Allah's will rather than the fact that it has not bred for 18 months and therefore has no anatomical reason to produce milk."
As such, the natural health of herds is poor, with cattle usually underweight and riddled with worms, mites and other parasites. Capt Malone said the priority is firstly to de-worm and de-louse. By eradicating parasites, the animals are able to absorb more nutrients, and therefore become stronger and more resistant to disease. Once the animals have achieved a baseline of health, he then vaccinates, because the vaccinations are less effective on sick animals.

The full article can be read here and a video of the clinic viewed below



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