Army Reservist treats animals in the Philippines

An Australian soldier has found himself facing unique challenges during a deployment to the Philippines.

Captain Kendall Crocker is normally posted to the School of Military Engineering in Sydney. He has been working with veterinarians from the Philippines Veterinary Corps and the United States Army and as well as civilian vets from the local province in Albay.

Veterinary science is Kendall Crocker’s day job. He is a reserve officer who is currently participating in the Philippines/US Exercise Balikatan which is providing humanitarian and civic assistance to the Philippines population.

“I think one of the real positives of Exercise Balikatan is that we have also been able to give the civilian veterinary personnel an insight into what military help may be available in the event of a natural disaster,” Captain Crocker said.

He is among seven Australians who have spent the past two weeks assisting local communities in Legazpi and Tacloban, which was among the areas hardest hit by cyclone Haiyan late last year.

Captain Crocker and his team have seen hundreds of animals and administered treatments ranging from vitamin injections to desexing.

“For animals such as cows and water buffaloes, the focus has been on parasite control, vitamin supplementation and pregnancy testing,” he said.

“With the dogs, pigs, goats and other small animals we have been conducting rabies vaccinations, providing vitamin supplementation, parasitic treatments and sterilisation.

“Working with the US, Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian personnel has been extremely positive, with great outcomes achieved.”