Logar citizens receive veterinary care for livestock for first time in Baraki Barak

By Guest Column —— Bio and Archives November 8, 2009

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LOGAR PROVINCE - Local vets of Baraki Barak teamed up with the district’s sub-gov., Lodin, U.S. Army and Czech Republic soldiers to provide much needed veterinary aid.

Farmers of all ages attended the veterinarian clinic. Small children toddled along holding ropes tied to the necks of goats big enough to look them in the eyes, while gray bearded men dragged anxious cattle to be vaccinated and examined. The animals were led one at a time to Afghan veterinarians waiting under canopies set up in the grassy common area at the district center. The large procession of animals included cows, goats, mules and donkeys. “We helped 492 animals and over 200 villagers,” said Army Staff Sgt. Dwaine Hood, Fire Support NCO for Able Troop. Although 3-71 CAV and Czech soldiers from the Logar PRT provided security and helped direct traffic, the vets were all Afghan and the medications for the animals were bought on the local economy, Hood said. “Farming and livestock are a huge deal in this area,” said Hood. “Many people’s whole livelihood is based around their livestock.” The treatment of the animals was intended to benefit the farmers and their livestock. But most importantly, the VetCap introduced them to their own local vets, who'll be responsible for the medical upkeep of their livestock in the future. “It shows we care for the local populace and the hard work they do,” said Hood. Although this event was the first of its kind Able Troop hopes it won’t be the last. “Our plan is to help as many as we can before the harsh winter,” said Hood.