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Calls to better protect donkey welfare
OIE says the global donkey population is now at risk, especially in Africa where they are a key target of the skin trade.

Legal and illegal trade in donkey skins is growing - OIE 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is calling for better implementation of its standards to protect donkey welfare, amid the growing trade in donkey skins.

Demand for diverse products of donkey origin, particularly skins, has risen rapidly, according to OIE. As a result, the legal and illegal trade has recently increased, with major implications for donkey health and welfare. Donkey skins are boiled to produce a gelatine called Ejiao, which is increasingly popular in Chinese medicine.

OIE says the global donkey population is now at risk, especially in Africa where they are a key target of the skin trade.

Major impacts of the trade include:

  • welfare conditions during transport and slaughter are often reported as very poor, in both the legal and illegal trade
  • animal diseases can spread to new areas when the global trade does not follow internationally agreed standards
  • in the illegal trade, the slaughter of donkeys does not meet welfare standards and can become a source of contamination as carcasses are left to decompose in the open, impacting public health and the environment
  • communities who rely on donkeys for their livelihoods may lose their animals, either by theft or choosing to sell them on for slaughter.

OIE sets international standards to improve animal health and welfare worldwide. In a statement it said: ‘Considering the impact and consequences of the increased global demand and trade of donkeys and their products, the OIE encourages its members to implement international standards, not only to protect donkey health and welfare, but also to safeguard the livelihoods that depend on them.’

The International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE) welcomed the statement. Comprised of the Donkey Sanctuary, Brooke, SPANA and World Horse Welfare, the coalition has been working alongside OIE to implement welfare standards in African communities where disease has caused thousands of donkey fatalities in the past three months. The deaths have further depleted populations that have already been decimated by indiscriminate slaughter for skins.

Roly Owners, chair of ICWE, said: “We do not yet know the full extent of the impact of the donkey hide trade in Africa and of the loss of so many animals from disease, but ICWE members are ready to support communities and governments with technical advice to help implement the OIE standards. 

“We echo the OIE’s concern about reports of illegal transport and slaughter of these donkeys for a trade which needs to be more humane and sustainable.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.