Animal Emergency Preparedness: Training for Guatemala’s Agricultural Sector

Guatemala is bolstering its emergency response capabilities, with a recent training initiative focused on animal welfare. From February 17th to 19th, personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) participated in a course centered on Standards and Guidelines for Livestock Interventions in Emergencies (LEGS).

Expanding Emergency Preparedness

This training builds upon previous efforts with the Executive Secretariat of CONRED, expanding knowledge in this area to the institutions directly responsible for the agricultural sector. The course aimed to equip MAGA staff with practical tools and knowledge to respond to emergencies impacting production animals, working animals, pets, and wildlife.

Did You Know? The training focused on ensuring animals receive adequate food, water, veterinary care, and shelter during emergencies.

Protecting Livelihoods

Participants reinforced their ability to make timely decisions to safeguard animal welfare, ultimately contributing to the protection of families’ livelihoods. The initiative is part of a regional project led by the Coordination centre for the Prevention of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC), with support from Brooke Hospital for Animals.

Expert Insight: Integrating animal protection into emergency response plans acknowledges the interconnectedness of human and animal well-being, recognizing that supporting animal health is vital for community resilience.

The Sistema CONRED, through these actions, is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening coordination between institutions and integrating animal protection as a fundamental component of emergency response and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the focus of the training?

The training focused on Normas y Directrices para Intervenciones Ganaderas en Emergencias (LEGS), covering standards and guidelines for livestock interventions in emergencies.

Who participated in the training?

Personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food (MAGA) participated in the training.

What organizations supported this initiative?

The Centro de Coordinación para la Prevención de los Desastres en América Central y República Dominicana (CEPREDENAC) and Brooke Hospital for Animals supported the initiative.

As emergency preparedness efforts expand to include animal welfare, what other sectors might benefit from increased cross-institutional collaboration?