The events brought together representatives of local self-government bodies, the education and social sectors, local civil society organizations, as well as specialists working directly with community residents and serving as local leaders and communicators.
Participants were welcomed by the Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, who emphasized the importance of responsible veterinary drug use, combating antimicrobial resistance, and implementing modern biosecurity standards in animal production.
“Today, issues of animal health, biosecurity, and food safety are not only sectoral challenges but also strategic priorities for the state. Ukraine, as part of the international community and a country steadily moving toward European integration, must implement modern approaches to the control and use of veterinary medicines while fostering a culture of responsible livestock production,” she noted.
During the training sessions, participants explored the issue of antimicrobial resistance in the context of backyard livestock farming, where antibiotics are often used without consultation with a veterinarian. Special attention was paid to the role of territorial communities in changing public behavior and spreading knowledge about the responsible use of antimicrobials.
The program combined theoretical sessions with practical activities. Participants analyzed common mistakes in animal treatment, discussed approaches to risk communication, and worked on developing clear and accessible informational messages for community residents.
The organizers emphasized that communities can become one of the key elements in combating AMR, as they maintain constant contact with local populations and are able to effectively disseminate practical knowledge at the local level.
The event was organized within the framework of cooperation with the international EpiC project (“Enhancing Epidemic Control and Prevention”), which aims to strengthen public health, animal health, and laboratory capacity in Ukraine.
The next series of training sessions for representatives of territorial communities and specialists of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection will take place on June 2–4 in Odesa. Participation is free of charge, but the number of places is limited.
Pre-registration is required:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA7BGpNsp-ln3CJONhxhdijtYe6k6Ab9MPRg06ppHAUenmGw/viewform
Additional information is available by phone: +380688629496.
The EpiC project in Ukraine is aimed at strengthening the country’s public health, animal health, and laboratory capacity through targeted technical assistance, institutional capacity building, and improved coordination between national and regional public health and animal health authorities in accordance with international standards and cross-sectoral principles.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders is a non-profit voluntary organization established by domestic pork producers. The association’s main goals are to represent and protect the rights and interests of member farms, promote the development and implementation of new efficient pork production technologies, expand market opportunities, and protect the domestic market.