Iraqi Kurdistan has a troubled history, and its population has survived conflict, isolation and poverty. Working animals in the region suffer from poor husbandry, even though they are relied on for work ranging from shepherding and agriculture to transportation and construction. SPANA is working there to provide vital veterinary care to donkeys and horses in desperate need.
Iraq at a glance
- Population: 5.1 million
- Area: 40,643 square km
- Location: Middle East
- Capital city: Erbil
- Number of mobile clinics: One
- Number of working animals treated in 2022: 5,213
- Number of animal owners trained in 2022: 691
- Number of veterinary professionals trained in 2022: 260
Our work in Iraq
SPANA’s mobile clinic visits isolated, rural communities and regularly travels long distances to treat working animals in need of lifesaving veterinary care. Three quarters of the animals we treat every year are donkeys. The main problems they face are internal and external parasites, harness wounds and severe wounds.
We also provide essential training to animal owners and veterinary professionals to improve animal welfare.
