Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th March 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Emergency appeal to save donkeys from drought
Brooke’s team in Nairobi aim to provide water to 13,100 donkeys and feed to 800.

Brooke launches JustGiving campaign

UK-based equine charity Brooke has launched an emergency appeal to help thousands of vulnerable donkeys living in Kenya.

In February 2017, following months of low rainfall, the government of Kenya declared a national drought emergency. Of the 47 arid and semi-arid counties, 23 are affected and the drought is expected to last until July 2017.

Responding, the Brooke charity has launched a JustGiving campaign which aims to raise around £23,000 for working donkeys, that provide a lifeline to poor people living in rural areas.

Alongside their day-to-day work, Brooke’s team in Nairobi aim to provide water to 13,100 donkeys and feed to 800. It is thought that one donkey can support a family of six, so the work is thought to benefit 80,000 people.

“Crippling seasonal drought is becoming more frequent in Africa. We saw it where we work in Senegal in 2015, and now in Kenya,” said Dil Peeling, director of animal welfare and sustainability at Brooke.

“Working donkeys are vital to people’s livelihoods here - they carry water and food for families, fuel and building materials. They help people earn the money they use to put food on the table and children in school."

Over the coming weeks, the drought situation is expected to get worse. Currently the campaign stands at 16,000, to make a donation visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Brooke-Emergency-Appeal-Kenya-Drought.

Image (C) Brooke/Freya Dowson

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.