45 students from DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (COVAS) recently attended a major Veterinary Emergency Response Unit (VERU) training exercise in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
Year after year, India continues to be vulnerable to devastating disasters, enduring cyclones, droughts, floods, landslides and earthquakes.
During disasters it is not only people that suffer, animals are often the forgotten victims: thousands lose their lives, and many more are injured and lost. The survival of animals and people are linked: swift action during disasters not only helps animals, it helps the people who depend on them.
During the four-day training workshop, the final year veterinary students learnt different feed, water, safety and security measures for animals during crisis situations. They were trained on animal handling techniques with live demonstrations and practical exercises.
The training session was jointly organized by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and World Animal Protection in association with COVAS. The VERU North Zone faculties, who were trained during the VERU Training of Trainers in May this year, delivered this training to the students.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr RK Agnihotri, Dean, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Palampur said “ The geo-climatic conditions of the region makes it vulnerable to several disasters especially landslides and earthquakes. We are fortunate to have the VERU North Zone unit with us and are thankful to NDMA and World Animal Protection to have taken this initiative.
“This center of excellence will act as a training hub for veterinary students and other humanitarian stakeholders. I wish this course a grand success.”
Also attending the event, Dr KK Katoch, Vice Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University said “Disaster Preparedness is the most important phase for effective dealing of any kind of disasters.
“93% of Himachal Pradesh depends on agriculture and livestock for livelihood and therefore it’s important to protect the livestock wealth from disasters. This VERU will help build resilience to protect animals.”
Gajender Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection India, said: “The VERU training of veterinary graduates gives specialty training in disaster handling, which helps to better protect both human and animal lives during emergencies.
“Each year, more trained veterinarians join the force to address the needs of animals in future disasters. In the long run as we see, these trained professionals will complement government's initiatives and help bridge the gaps in the disaster management cycle.”
World Animal Protection works around the world to protect animals, whenever and wherever disasters happen. World Animal Protection has saved over 3 million animals in disasters over the last 50 years. We work with people, communities and governments to prepare for disasters and protect their animals in times of crisis.
Photo Caption: Preparing young veterinarians to protect animals in emergencies
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