U.S. Military and El Salvador Team Up to Tackle Animal Health Crisis — Here's How They're Making a Difference!

In a groundbreaking partnership, U.S. military personnel have joined forces with Salvadoran authorities to combat pressing animal health concerns and overpopulation in El Salvador. This collaboration, which included the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador and Joint Task Force-Bravo’s Army Force Battalion veterinarian team, marks a significant step toward improving animal welfare and public health in the region.

On February 19, a major effort between the U.S. military and El Salvador’s Ministry of Agriculture led to the distribution of over 54,000 doses of ivermectin to local livestock. This initiative is aimed at preventing the spread of vector-borne illnesses that pose serious risks to both animals and humans. Lt. Col. Steven Pelham, Veterinary Preventive Medicine Officer with Army Force Battalion, praised the joint effort, saying, “El Salvador has been proactive in confronting the issues presented by vector-borne illnesses. It has been a privilege to work with the Ministry of Agriculture and collaborate on such an important mission."

But the mission didn’t stop there. The following day, Joint Task Force-Bravo hosted a veterinary readiness training exercise (VETRETE) in Ahuachapan, where U.S. military personnel and local partners — including City Hall, the Instituto de Bienestar Animal, Chivo Pets, and Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer — provided free spaying and neutering services to approximately 300 animals.

“This is truly a knowledge exchange where we learn from one another and become better together,” Lt. Col. Pelham said, highlighting the mutual benefits of this hands-on collaboration. The VETRETE allowed U.S. military personnel to gain valuable experience in austere environments while addressing the pressing issue of animal overpopulation in the region.

Pamela Figueroa, a representative from the Instituto de Bienestar Animal, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Most people can’t afford these basic procedures, which are essential for maintaining a healthy pet population." The spay/neuter event represents a critical step in curbing the growing number of stray animals in El Salvador, helping ensure better health and living conditions for the nation's pets.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carl Schreier, commander of Army Forces Battalion, reflected on the success of the operation, saying, “This has been a wonderful experience for JTF-Bravo and our personnel, who have not only become better at their jobs but have filled an important gap in a meaningful way.”

This collaboration between the U.S. military and El Salvador not only strengthens international ties but also demonstrates the power of teamwork in addressing global animal welfare challenges.