Christian Veterinary Mission contributes volumes to developing countries
Over the past two decades, Christian Veterinary Mission has shipped books and other educational material to more than 50 countries.
"When Christian Veterinary Mission began working with poor farmers in developing countries in 1980, it quickly became apparent that there was a great need for appropriate educational material that dealt with animal health and public health issues," said Dr. Leroy Dorminy, CVM director emeritus and coordinator of educational materials.
"The material needed to be accurate, current, in simple language, and well-illustrated. It really needed to target small farmers in the developing world."
In 1984, CVM published its first book that met those criteria—"Raising Healthy Swine," by Dr. Earl Goodman, a Clemson University extension veterinarian. An impetus to publish this book was to aid in Haiti's swine repopulation program after the African swine fever episode. According to Dr. Dorminy, this book is an excellent primer on basic pig farming and the challenges of small farm pig production. The two main themes of malnutrition and parasite control are dealt with in depth, using practical ideas and methods. The book also suggests many practical rations from available foodstuffs.
Since that time, CVM has published similar volumes on rabbits, fish, poultry, goats, sheep, horses, and honeybees. Other subjects include drugs and their usage, zoonoses, slaughter and meat preservation, and the most encompassing of all, "Where There Is No Animal Doctor." This 410-page manual covers all aspects of the functions of the major domestic animal species.
Christian Veterinary Mission has a policy of providing these books free or at cost to qualifying organizations within developing countries. They have been used in Africa, Asia, and South America for teaching courses. In the developed world, they can be purchased at reasonable prices.
In addition, CVM publishes the International Animal Health Newsletter quarterly, which goes to subscribers in more than 50 countries and is made available to libraries of agricultural schools and to rural development agencies.
"We have had many heartwarming testimonies through the years about how these books have played a role in improving the quality of life for people in the developing world," Dr. Dorminy said.
"CVM is dedicated to continuing this ministry and its expansion by translation of the books into other languages, which at present include some in Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarin, Nepali, Khmer, Amharic, and other tribal languages."
