More than 100 veterinary officers have been trained on how to manage and treat animals while minimizing excessive use of antibiotics in preventing livestock diseases.
The officers were encouraged to promote better animal management practices among farmers, including constructing proper animal shelters, providing quality feed, and controlling parasites to prevent disease spread.
The six-month training took place at Bakalasa Agricultural College in Luweero District and is the fourth cohort of veterinary officers to undergo the program, aimed at strengthening professional skills and improving service delivery to farmers.
“We realized that many veterinary officers rely heavily on antibiotics even in situations where better animal management can prevent diseases. This training equips them with knowledge on alternative ways of controlling animal diseases while reducing unnecessary drug use,” said Dr Badru Lule Muyanja, one of the lead trainers.
“This is the fourth group we are training, and our goal is to ensure veterinary officers are well equipped with updated knowledge that will help them guide farmers better,” he added.
The program was organized under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Dr. Sylvia Obua from FAO said participants would receive certificates confirming their additional training and urged them to apply their new knowledge to support farmers and livestock keepers in their communities.
“The purpose of this training is to strengthen the capacity of veterinary officers so they can guide farmers on proper animal health practices while reducing the misuse of antibiotics,” Dr. Obua explained.
“We expect these officers to go back to their communities and support farmers with the knowledge they have acquired to improve livestock production,” she added.
Participants came from across Uganda. Grace Nakayemba from Masaka said the training equipped them with practical skills to better serve farmers.
“We have learned a lot about preventing diseases through better animal care instead of relying too much on drugs. This knowledge will help us guide farmers on safer and more sustainable livestock management,” Nakayemba said.