Healing in the field: New tools for livestock officers
From thermometers to suture kits, upgraded vet gear aims to protect Fiji’s livestock and strengthen food security.
Wednesday 06 August 2025 | 06:00
Ministry of Agriculture principal agriculture officer Northern, Sujendra Prasad (left), hands over kits to staff from Savusavu and Batiri in Labasa on August 4, 2025.
Photo: Supplied
Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock officers in the Northern Division have been equipped with veterinary kits to provide responsive and high-quality veterinary care in the field. The kits contain thermometers, suture kits, hygiene supplies and clinical instruments.
Over the past year, the ministry has led an ambitious capacity-building programme through its animal health and production division, offering para-veterinary training, clinical refresher courses and meat inspection modules.
These efforts have been paired with nationwide renovations of veterinary clinics, featuring improved triage systems, enhanced drug storage facilities, stainless steel tools and modern diagnostic equipment. The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader vision to create a mobile, inclusive and future-ready veterinary network.
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By decentralising services and taking veterinary care directly to farms and villages, the ministry is working to ensure no community is left behind.
The ministry assures the public that this is part of a sustained investment and pledges continued support for facility maintenance and service improvement to elevate animal health standards throughout the country.
Ministry of Agriculture Principal Agriculture Officer Northern, Sujendra Prasad, said during the handover of kits in Labasa this week that the initiative marks a major step forward in Fiji’s ability to combat animal diseases, reduce livestock mortality, and support rural livelihoods.
Mr Prasad reminded officers from Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata of their critical roles in safeguarding animal health and urged them to make full use of the kits to enhance service delivery in their respective communities.
“This investment in veterinary services is an investment in our farmers and our food security,” Mr Prasad said.
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