The hiring of a US certified veterinarian is being treated a priority, according to Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua.
Motusa says contact has been made with a vet that has worked here before and he is hopeful that the doctor will be on their way to the territory before long.
He said the Veterinary Clinic at the Department of Agriculture urgently needs a US certified vet who can order vaccines approved by the Drug Enforcement Agency to respond to the threat of leptospirosis.
There’s been a recent spike in cases of leptospirosis in dogs seen at the Vet Clinic, according to the acting head Tanya Tarasawa.
With DOH actively involved in the recruitment of a vet, KHJ News asked the Health Director if there’s a move to transfer the Vet Clinic from Dept of Agriculture to DOH.
Motusa responded that there’s been discussion but that’s about it and the governor has not made a decision.
Director of Agriculture Sala Sataua Dr. Mataese Samuelu has not answered several phone calls.
