The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture have agreed to co-share the cost of hiring a US certified veterinarian.
According to testimony by Health Director Motusa Tuileama Nua at a House hearing yesterday as soon as the vet is hired she has agreed to begin ordering supplies for the Veterinarian Clinic at the Department of Agriculture.
The hearing by the House Agriculture Committee chaired by Rep Su’a Alex Jennings was in response to the increase in leptospirosis cases seen at the clinic at a time when vaccines and supplies to treat sick animals have been depleted.
Witnesses at the hearing were the Health Director, physician Dr Cecilia Alailima, Epidemiologist Dr Aifili John Tufa, LBJ Pharmacist Dr Evelyn Faaiuaso and Tanya Tarasawa, vet technician at the Department of Agriculture.
The Director of Agriculture Sala Sataua Dr Mataese Samuelu was also supposed to testify but was not present.
A report from Ms Tarasawa showed 60 cases of leptospirosis among dogs and cats seen at the Vet Clinic.
And she confirmed that the clinic doesn’t have any medication, vaccines and supplies left.
US vets who had been ordering vaccines and supplies for the DOA using their licenses have discontinued as they want to see a permanent solution to the territory’s veterinary services.
Dr Alailima urged immediate action to prevent the spread of leptospirosis from animals to humans.
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Dr Kathleen Riley who has worked here with Alofa Mo Meaola is waiting in the wings to be offered a contract. Based on past experience however she doesn’t want to work under DOA and prefers to be with DOH.
The Health Director said the main priority is to bring a vet on board and work out placement later.
Dr Alailima urged that the hiring of a vet be treated a priority.
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