Country: Uganda, Kenya
Position: Animal Health Worker, Dairy Specialist, Field Veterinarian
International Partner: MERU Dairy Co-operative, SNV
Placement Dates: May 2009, February 2017, August 2017
Dr. Laura-Anne Kutryk is a veteran of three VWB/VSF-related volunteer placements. The first, in 2009 when she was a student, was through the Global Vets Program working with the Goat Pass-On Project in Uganda. She did a three-week placement in Kenya in February 2017 where she worked with dairy co-op members to improve the health of their cattle. Her most recent placement saw her return to Uganda for a 4 month assignment designed to improve herd health and management for dairy farmers.
Laura is a graduate of the Western Canada College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon and has completed an advanced program for Dairy Veterinarians at Cornell University. She has practiced in Stettler, Cold Lake, and Bonnyville, Alberta.
This article explores the diverse and often underrecognized roles of veterinarians within a One Health framework, highlighting how their work in animal health, food safety, wildlife conservation, and climate adaptation strengthens communities, safeguards ecosystems, and supports global health resilience.
This article examines the vital role of veterinarians in immunization and disease prevention, highlighting how VWB’s One Health approach — through vaccination campaigns, CAHW training, and real-time disease surveillance — protects public health, supports farmer livelihoods, and strengthens animal health systems in vulnerable communities.
In remote areas, like the far North, dog bites are more prevalent. This Dog Bite Prevention Week, we're raising awareness about how reading dog body language and improving access to veterinary care can reduce bites—and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
