One third of working animals we treat have parasites. Will you please help?
Parasites are a constant threat to working animals. In the countries where we work, animals are at even greater risk of parasites due to extreme climates – from unrelenting drought in Zimbabwe, to devastating floods in Tanzania. The resulting environmental conditions allow parasites to thrive, spreading disease and suffering.
Living on or inside animals, parasites can cause severe distress. They drain working animals of the nutrients they need to survive, leading to fatigue, malnutrition, and in the worst cases, death. Working animals carry out exhausting tasks in extreme climates and need every ounce of their strength. Therefore, it’s essential that our vet teams can diagnose and treat parasites effectively.
If left untreated, the number of parasites in the environment will also increase, placing other vulnerable working animals at risk.
Treating parasites is simple and inexpensive. However, lower standards of animal welfare and lack of access to essential veterinary care can mean many working animals don’t receive the treatment they need.
Will you please help prevent and treat deadly parasites by donating today?
Mwoyo’s story
Mwoyo the donkey transports goods in rural Zimbabwe to help his owner, Patrick, earn a small income.
One day, Patrick noticed that Mwoyo was struggling to pull his cart. Over time, the donkey was becoming weak and unsteady on his feet. He was barely eating.
Worried for Mwoyo’s health, Patrick took him to the SPANA mobile clinic that was visiting the area.
Our vet examined Mwoyo and diagnosed him with digestion problems and severe malnourishment. Like many working donkeys across the region, Mwoyo was having difficulty obtaining the nutrients he needed from the drought-stricken land. Earlier this year, Zimbabwe declared a state of disaster over the devastating drought that swept across much of southern Africa, leaving communities and their animals more vulnerable than ever. Additionally, with a lack of available drinking water, many animals are drinking from smaller, stagnant water sources, which are more likely to be contaminated with parasites.
When the vet checked a sample of Mwoyo’s faeces, he found a very high worm egg count, indicating that internal parasites were exacerbating his malnutrition.
Further examination revealed that Mwoyo was also suffering from external parasites which were contributing towards his mottled coat and excruciatingly itchy skin.
The vet team provided Mwoyo with ivermectin, an anti-parasite medication that treats both internal and external parasites. They also gave him a vitamin injection to replenish lost nutrients and help rebuild his strength. Patrick was advised to rest Mwoyo and give him wet, nutritious feed to support him in this period of severe drought.
Thanks to SPANA’s intervention, Mwoyo could recover and was returned to his grateful owner. At a follow-up visit three weeks later, Mwoyo had made a full recovery. His coat’s poor condition had dramatically improved, and he was looking much healthier. Patrick promised to follow our advice and attend routine parasite check-ups. He also signed up to join our community training sessions to learn more about caring for Mwoyo.
Without intervention, more affected animals will suffer needlessly. Your donation today could help provide vital medication that will stop parasites in their tracks. Your gift can also protect working animals from the rising threat of parasites through preventative care and education.
Will you please donate today to help other working animals like Mwoyo? Thank you so much.
Thank you
Your generous donations will be used for projects such as those featured in this parasites appeal and where they are required the most to help animals in need. Thank you so much for your support.
To speak to our friendly supporter care team please visit our contact us page and get in touch.