Our National Technical Lead for Food Safety and Animal Welfare, Ester Benguerel, and Area Manager, Jesus Garcia, recently embarked upon a trip to Bahrain, taking our services even further afield to provide crucial veterinary checks at farms and an abattoir supplying meat to the Royal Palaces of Bahrain. This was a chance to experience Official Controls in a different region and share our knowledge with veterinary professionals overseas.

We caught up with Ester to find out more…

“When E&J were asked to provide Veterinarians for a working trip to Bahrain, I knew this was an opportunity too good to miss, both professionally and personally. The chance to apply our technical expertise on an international stage was both exciting and humbling so, together with my colleague Jesus Garcia, I embarked on this journey, honoured to be hosted by the Royal Court of Private Affairs.

Our mission was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of farms and an abattoir supplying meat to the Royal Palaces of Bahrain. This was neither a small nor an ordinary task, requiring attention to detail, technical expertise and a deep understanding of veterinary best practices. Perhaps even more importantly, it required an open mind.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this experience would be unlike any other. Our goal was to evaluate food safety standards, animal health and welfare, and disease control within the Royal Court integrated farming system. We collaborated closely with the Royal Court Veterinary Services, a highly knowledgeable veterinary team which is clearly doing its best in difficult local conditions and with limited resources at hand.

We approached our assessment with an open mind, recognising the unique challenges of the region, not wanting to simply compare local practices to European standards. The difference in climate was instantly noticeable. Even in February, temperatures were reaching almost 25 degrees, so it is hard to imagine how farm workers manage in the peak of summer!

We visited multiple sheep, goat and camel farms, each presenting its own challenges. Camels especially posed an exciting challenge. While our veterinary knowledge covered many species, camels were a completely new territory for us! Yet, through careful observation and collaboration with local veterinarians, we quickly developed a deeper appreciation for these charming creatures.

Our knowledge of public health and biosecurity allowed us to identify potential risks and recommend practical solutions. Rather than advocating for drastic, immediate changes, we advised a step-by-step approach; one that could be realistically implemented over time.

This mission was more than just a professional assignment; it was an unforgettable experience. We immersed ourselves in a different culture, learned from dedicated professionals and gained a deep appreciation for the commitment of those working in Bahrain’s farming sector.

Most of all, we left with a renewed passion for veterinary work and a thirst to take on other international projects. Bahrain has left its mark on us, and we hope to return one day to continue this journey.”

For more information on our Official Controls, head to our Services page.