By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa – In a significant step toward improving animal health services, the Deputy Minister of Livestock and Rural Development of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Ali Ahmed Abdi, widely known as Ali Cantar, officially inaugurated a specialized training program on equine diseases and modern treatment methodologies today.
The two-day intensive course, held in the capital, brings together 20 veterinarians and animal health technicians from the Maroodijeex, Hawd, and Gabiley regions. These professionals represent the frontline of animal health care in some of Somaliland’s most important pastoral and agricultural zones, where horses play a vital role in transport, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
Throughout the training, participants will deepen their expertise in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of common and debilitating equine ailments. The curriculum places particular emphasis on five critical diseases that frequently affect horse populations:
· Equine Influenza – a highly contagious respiratory infection often referred to as horse flu.
· Equine Colic – a severe abdominal disorder that ranks among the leading causes of equine mortality if not promptly addressed.
· Equine Piroplasmosis – a tick-borne blood parasite that causes fever, anemia, and weakness in horses.
· Tetanus – a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, commonly known as lockjaw.
· Strangles – a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that poses serious risks, particularly in young horses and crowded stables.
The program combines theoretical instruction with practical case studies, ensuring that participants not only learn the latest scientific approaches but also acquire hands-on skills applicable in the field. By the end of the course, attendees are expected to be better equipped to diagnose early warning signs, administer appropriate treatments, and advise horse owners on preventive care measures.
This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to elevate veterinary standards across the country. By investing in continuous professional development for animal health workers, the Ministry aims to build a resilient and knowledgeable workforce capable of delivering high-quality, accessible care to livestock owners—particularly in rural and remote communities where veterinary services are often scarce.
Officials emphasized that improving equine health is not only an animal welfare concern but also an economic imperative, given the deep reliance on horses for transportation, agriculture, and trade across Somaliland. The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding such training opportunities in the future, with a long-term vision of establishing a sustainable animal health system that benefits both animals and the communities that depend on them.
