USDA veterinarian offers post-Sinlaku guidance to CNMI ranchers

A visiting U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian said CNMI livestock producers are benefiting from both short-term recovery assistance and long-term animal health recommendations as the agriculture sector continues to recover from the effects of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Speaking after a meeting with local ranchers and farmers, USDA APHIS veterinarian Dr. Shana Tannenbaum said she was pleased by the strong turnout.

“I was overjoyed. I know it was a hot Friday morning, and people may have had other commitments, and I really appreciated seeing so many people turn out,” Tannenbaum said.

Charles Aiseam, who helped organize the meeting, said local livestock producers welcomed the opportunity to receive expert advice.

“I’m going to rate this on a scale of 5 to 10. I would say 10,” Aiseam said. “These farmers…mentioned in that meeting that we just don’t have the expert on the island, and they were so fortunate that Ms. Shana and USDA APHIS were able to come out and then give them their recommendations or give them advice on what issues that they’re experiencing on their farm.”

Aiseam noted that USDA veterinarians have been visiting farms, observing livestock conditions, and providing recommendations on animal management.

“I think the farmers are really appreciative of that,” he said. “Farmers, in reality, they don’t have a walk-in clinic where if they have a problem, they’ll just walk their animals into the clinic.”

Tannenbaum, who spent about three weeks on Saipan, said discussions with producers focused on both immediate post-typhoon challenges and longer-term improvements.

“In my visits, it seemed to me that livestock producers benefited from both talking about what short-term issues they’re having…and how to help animals get over this hump while we are in active emergency, active recovery,” she said. “But also long-term issues in terms of, like Charles said, not having the expertise on the island.”

She praised local ranchers for their knowledge and experience.

“I think that our ranchers are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced and do a fantastic job with their animals,” Tannenbaum said. “Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can offer ideas, perhaps future systems to set up that may be beneficial long-term, especially to meet some of the challenges on the island with shipping and the availability of resources.”

Asked about her biggest takeaway from the CNMI, Tannenbaum pointed to the cooperation she witnessed among local producers.

“I was really impressed with the community feel of the island, how much people showed up for each other, how much people helped each other and shared,” she said. “There are times where people can get caught in the trap of thinking of other farms as competitors, whereas here I felt everyone seemed to be working together and was much more cohesive.”

During her presentation, Tannenbaum told producers that basic animal husbandry practices remain the foundation of healthy livestock operations. She emphasized the importance of clean, fresh water, adequate shelter, proper sanitation, pest control, and low-stress animal handling. She also discussed challenges posed by heat, water quality, parasites, and disease prevention, particularly in the aftermath of Sinlaku.

Tannenbaum said access to clean water is directly linked to feed consumption and animal growth, while proper cleaning and disinfection practices can help reduce disease and improve productivity. She also encouraged producers to focus on long-term management practices that can improve animal health and farm profitability.

Aiseam also thanked USDA APHIS for its assistance following the typhoon.

“We were able to also do treatments to some of our farms,” he said. “For example, one of the farms had issues with skin rashes. We’re not sure if they have parasites or what, but we were able to assist Dr. Shana and Dr. Fields in applying what’s called ivermectin to their pigs.”

He added that the collaboration is something local officials hope to continue.

“This is something under our office, we want to continue doing it, so that we can really improve the overall health of our community’s livestock.”