Our university cooperates with JICA’s issue-specific training program “Improving the skills of veterinary officers to combat infectious diseases in livestock”

The above training program, organized by the JICA Hokkaido Center (Obihiro), has been conducted since 2024 with the aim of developing human resources who can contribute to the development of veterinary services in their respective countries by acquiring practical skills and knowledge in the diagnosis, initial response, and prevention of livestock diseases in livestock farming settings.

This year’s training program, led by Lecturer Asakura of the Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, was attended by seven trainees from six countries/regions (Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Namibia, Tanzania, and Paraguay) who work in livestock and veterinary-related ministries. For approximately one month from August 4th to 31st, 2025, prior to their arrival in Japan, the trainees participated in online lectures and self-study to learn basic knowledge about field epidemiology and the Japanese livestock hygiene system. Following this, they came to Japan for approximately one month from September 10th to November 7th for in-person training.

The in-person training consisted of lectures, practical exercises, and site visits, with learning enhanced through cooperation from livestock health centers, the Hokkaido Agricultural Mutual Aid Association (NOSAI), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and private farms.

At Rakuno Gakuen University, Professor Makita and Lecturer Asakura conducted a four-day training program focusing on field epidemiology, including lectures on epidemiology, practical data analysis using Excel, and group work through role-playing on the theme of One Health.

On the final day of the overall training program, the trainees presented work plans for addressing livestock hygiene challenges in their respective countries, utilizing what they had learned. We look forward to seeing their efforts contribute to solving these challenges in their countries.