Assignment: Afghanistan- Promoting Healthy Livestock in a War-torn Country

Dr. Jim Floyd, previous head of the CVM Department of Population, Health and Pathobiology and a Colonel (retired) with the Veterinary Corps in the U.S. Army Reserve, is on active duty in Afghanistan with the Kentucky National Guard–Agricultural Development Team II.

 Dr. / Col. Floyd serves as the team veterinarian, working with the host nation and coalition forces to promote healthy productive livestock and sustainable agriculture in the war-torn country. The military has an interest in veterinary care in the area because healthy animals mean healthier families, a stronger central government and more stability in the region.

Afghanistan’s agriculturally based economy includes about 20 million sheep and goats. While many are part of family flocks, a semi-nomadic group, the Kuchis, has herds of up to 30,000 animals. Dr. Floyd has seen sheep, cattle, milk cows, donkeys and horses.

“Animals are wealth here, almost like a bank account on the hoof,” Dr. Floyd says.

For a report from
the 101st Airborne website about how he is helping to win minds and hearts while aiding the Afghan economy, click here.

For an article in the NC State Bulletin here.

Dr. Jim Floyd reunites with Dr. Eileen Jenkins, a 2006 graduate of the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Dr. Floyd is on active duty in Afghanistan with the Kentucky National Guard–Agricultural Development Team II. His assignment involves training veterinarians in Afghanistan’s Laghman Province and working with the host nation to ensure healthy livestock.

Updated Feb.14, 2011