BOGATA, Colombia –
At military and law enforcement agencies all over the world, canines are trained and used to save the lives of service members and police officers. The Colombian Army relies heavily on their military working dogs in the fight against the drug cartels and that is why it is imperative to keep the dogs healthy.
U.S. Army veterinarians from U.S. Army South and the Army Medical Department Center & School at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston traveled to Bogota, Colombia, May 8-11 to visit with Colombian army veterinarians as part of a subject matter expert exchange pertaining to infectious disease prevention and control and military working dog breeding programs.
“We came down here to share lessons learned on prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, specifically leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis,” said Lt. Col Troy Creason, Army South veterinarian. “Like us, they share many of the same health challenges seen with the MWD breeding program here in the United States, primarily sanitary kennel conditions.”
During the kennel and breeding center tours, U.S. vets suggested that different prevention strategies, such as the application of parasite control products when operating in high-risk areas, would greatly reduce incidence of disease in MWDs.
“The exchange is important, the experiences, the knowledge, because regardless of the geographical separation, we have worked together in various medical and reproductive aspects,” said Col. Jorge Armando Ramirez Troncoso, director of the Colombian Veterinary Services. “We would like to take this interaction which has allowed us to grow and take our breeding program to the next level.”
In the Colombian military, the MWD program is operated by their army engineers as the dogs are a vital counter roadside bomb and humanitarian demining operations asset. The drug traffickers are known to use explosive devises in their war against those trying to stop drug trafficking.
“We had many expectations and we were able to accomplish them in an academic and professional manner,” Ramirez said. “This exchange allowed us to share experiences on different levels and allowed us to develop a friendship and camaraderie with the U.S. veterinarians.”
“The Colombian Army Veterinary Services is interested in future engagements. One is exploring the opportunity for their MWD handlers and veterinary personnel to attend Army Medical Department Center & School veterinary courses at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston,” Creason said. “We would also like to have them visit U.S. Army Veterinary facilities to view MWD breeding program, veterinary treatment facilities and veterinary field unit capabilities.”
The exchange marks the first ever veterinary gathering between the countries. With only 13 veterinarians, Colombia hopes to expand on the exchange and plans for future talks.