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Brooke to build three new vet clinics in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has 8.8 million donkeys which are vital for transportation.
They will help 20,000 working horses and donkeys each year.

Brooke, a charity for working horses and donkeys, has begun work on three additional veterinary clinics in rural areas of Ethiopia.

The practices will focus on preventative care to save the lives of working animals in the local community. They are to be built in the rural areas of Shashamane, Akaki and Halaba, where Brooke says there is an urgent need for veterinary care.

The additional clinics will see local service providers, trained by Brooke, provide healthcare and advice for working horses and donkeys. This will include farriery, handling advice and improved harnessing.

Brooke’s new clinics will be equipped with a pharmacy, a laboratory and a treatment room. There will also be a shelter where animals can rest in the shade.

They are expected to help around 20,000 animals each year.

These services form part of Brooke’s mission to improve vaccination services and animal health infrastructure in Ethiopia, where small-scale farmers depend on equines for their livelihood.

Ethiopia has one of the largest working equine populations globally. The country has 8.8 million donkeys which are vital for transportation, reducing communities’ travel time for water collection, firewood gathering, and market trips.

Working equines also reduce the gendered workload of women and girls, meaning they can spend more time in education.

However veterinary services are often lacking in the area, especially in rural areas. This can lead to suffering and loss of life when sick or injured animals are left untreated.

Brooke aims to transform the animal health and welfare by making immediate, long-term changes to help vulnerable animals as well as local communities.

The QATO Foundation, which promotes animal welfare under human care, will be financing the construction and equipment for the Shashamane clinic.

Laura Skippen, head of animal welfare at Brooke, said: "Supporting the construction of these clinics will not only help thousands of animals receive better care right now, but importantly ensure that future generations of hardworking animals benefit too."  

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.