The Donkey Sanctuary is supporting animals affected by the Colombia wildfires.
An international welfare charity has been supporting veterinary teams treating donkeys, mules and other animals affected by the devastating wildfires in Colombia.
The Donkey Sanctuary has contributed to the cost of medicines and supplies needed by a 12-strong team of vets from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL), which has been reaching rural communities in some of the worst-affected areas.
Many of the affected animals had been helping communities transport food, water and medical supplies. Equids often play a vital role in disaster response, providing essential transport to areas that vehicles cannot access.
Dr Eduardo Santurtun, The Donkey Sanctuary's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said: “This response highlights the often overlooked but vital role working equids play in supporting communities across the region.
“Emergencies such as this show that donkeys and mules are not only affected by disasters; they are also essential to the response, helping people access aid, transport vital supplies and begin rebuilding. That is why they must be included in national disaster preparedness and response plans, both to protect their welfare and to ensure they can continue providing support when they are needed most.”
According to the charity, the team has treated 80 mules, donkeys, mules, as well as cattle, turtles, opossoms and other animals across the region. Vets have seen dehydration, pneumonia and other respiratory conditions, eye damage, skin lesions and back injuries.
With the support of The Donkey Sanctuary and other organisations the team has been able to administer intravenous fluids, eye medication and antibiotics. The response has also includes clinical examinations, parasite treatment, vitamin supplementation and advice to help prevent health problems developing after the fires.
Image (C) The Donkey Sanctuary.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
