The project involves laying the foundation for a disaster medicine center for animals, which could become one of Europe's first.
The work is being driven by the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).
"Crises resulting from extreme weather are expected to become more frequent in the future, and for the first time in a long time, we are facing potential war threats. In Sweden, we need to increase our preparedness and become better equipped to take care of our animals," says State Veterinarian Ylva Persson at SVA in a press release.
It's about developing collaborations and improving knowledge on how to handle, for example, cows and pigs – which provide us with milk and meat.
"It can involve how to move large quantities of animals from disaster areas or how to perform large-scale emergency slaughter," says Professor Lotta Berg at SLU.
There is also a need for crisis preparedness for companion animals and service animals such as police dogs.
"The war in Ukraine has shown how incredibly important household animals are for people. They provide comfort and security, but also strengthen the will to resist," says Professor Renée Båge at SLU.
The work is already underway and is expected to be completed by 2027.
