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: 13th September 2023
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

SPANA launches emergency response to Morocco earthquake
They will be safeguarding working horses and mules that are playing a vital part in rescue efforts.
The charity will support working equids affected by the disaster.

The Society of the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched their emergency response to support working animals affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

The group are acting in response to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the Al Haouz province in Morocco on 8 September 2023.

The British Red Cross estimates that the earthquake, which struck just after 11pm local time, has caused the deaths of more than 2,800 people and affected 300,000 more. It resulted in buildings collapsing, with some villages being completely destroyed.

SPANA, a charity which supports working animals, have begun their rescue efforts, where they are assessing the needs of the working animals that the communities are dependent on.

Three local groups, including chief executive Linda Edwards and director of global animal welfare Dr Linda Evans, will be working directly in Morocco to support the animals that are affected by the disaster.

Their teams are rescuing injured and abandoned working animals, providing food, water and emergency veterinary care to affected animals.

They will also be safeguarding the working horses and mules that will be playing a vital part in rescue efforts, providing supplies to communities in isolated areas.

SPANA’s rescue efforts include a long-term response plan to continue providing support to the communities affected.

Morocco was one of the first countries that SPANA worked in, following their foundation in 1923.

Linda Edwards said: “All of us at SPANA are deeply saddened about the terrible disaster in Morocco, our sympathies and thoughts are with all affected. Working alongside the humanitarian effort, coordinating with the authorities and partners, SPANA’s teams are working tirelessly to ensure that lifesaving help is available to working animals.  

“The relief effort will also see the dependency on working animals, as the invisible heroes delivering life-saving aid to communities who have been cut off, with roads destroyed or blocked with debris. Working donkeys and mules will be their rescue partner, and SPANA will be there to safeguard their welfare, they too need to recover from the trauma of this horrific disaster.”

Donations can be made to the charity at their website.

Image © SPANA

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.