Improving Basic Veterinary Services for Herders

The "Improving Basic Veterinary Services for Herders" consultancy took place between May 25 and June 22nd 2002. In-country travel consisted of visits to Gobi-Altai, Uvorkhangai and Bayankhongor aimags. Meetings were held in Ulaanbaatar with Gobi Initiative staff, government officials and representatives of international organizations working in the veterinary and animal health sector in Mongolia. Visits to Gobi-Altai, Uvorkhangai and Bayankhongor aimags consisted of meetings with the Gobi Initiative regional staff, and discussions with livestock herders, local private veterinarians and veterinary government officials.The primary purpose of the consultancy was to "improve the veterinary service training program operated by the Gobi Initiative's agricultural development program" by assessing the current program and making recommendations for changes. In addition the consultant was asked to provide a general assessment of veterinary services in Mongolia and comment on the role of the Gobi Initiative in improving herder access to veterinary services. The consultant addressed the role for improved animal health in the Gobi Initiative's overall goal of assisting herders to produce a high quality and marketable livestock product.