APOWA June / July Update - Accessible Vet Care for Animals and Health & Welfare Initiatives
From June 21st to July 20th, the dedicated team at Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA) has been working diligently to improve the lives of many hardworking animals.
CARE FOR ANIMALS
In just one month, the mobile clinic reached 93 animals, primarily horses and oxen. The team provided essential services including vaccinations, deworming, injury and illness treatment, and general health check-ups. Beyond caring for the animals, the project also supports the livelihoods of their owners by offering accessible and timely veterinary care.
Here’s a summary of their efforts:
Total Animals Served: 93
Preventive Vaccines Administered: 259
Animal Owners Assisted via Helpline Desk: 21
Treatment Highlights
The project’s team examined and treated various animals, ensuring their well-being:
Horses Treated: 18
Cattle Treated: 54
Total Animals Treated: 72
Animals Given Advice Only: 21
TREATMENT REPORT
This month, the Working Animal Welfare Project provided essential care to numerous animals across various locations. Here’s a brief overview of the treatment details:
Eye Infections: Several animals in Nilagiri and Patia were treated for eye infections, caused by injuries like being hit by fences or brushing against prickly bushes. Vitamin-A deficiency also contributed to corneal opacity in Patia.
Fever and Dysentery: Nilagiri saw cases of fever and dysentery, often linked to worm infections, poor food hygiene, and seasonal changes.
Respiratory Issues: Cold, cough, and high fever cases were addressed, mainly due to seasonal changes or food poisoning.
Stomach Problems: Some animals experienced stomach pain and dysentery, attributed to indigestion and worm infections.
Wounds and Weakness: Animals in Cuttack received treatment for wounds and symptoms of old age, including neuritis and debility, often caused by transportation and other physical stressors.
Overall, the project effectively managed a range of health issues, ensuring timely intervention and support for both animals and their owners.
Project Activities
Mobile Vet Clinic: The mobile clinic has been busy providing essential veterinary care to animals whose owners face financial and logistical challenges. This month, the team offered checkups and treatments to 72 animals and provided advice to another 21.
Vaccination Drive: Preventive measures were taken with 124 animals receiving vaccines against Bovine Q Fever (BQ), and 135 animals protected against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Helpline Desk: The helpline desk has been actively supporting 21 animal owners with immediate advice from veterinary experts, ensuring they receive accurate and timely information for their animals’ health.
Upcoming Activities
The project is gearing up for several upcoming initiatives:
Training on Animal Welfare and Basic First Aid: Plans are in place to start this training soon.
Providing First Aid Kits to the Community: Preparation for this initiative is underway.
Training Workshops on Animal Health, Welfare, and Husbandry: Workshops will be organised in the near future.
Follow-Up on Previous Efforts
The team also conducted follow-up visits to check on animals treated earlier:
A horse with a septic wound
A horse with corneal opacity
A bullock with an eye infection
A bullock with severe cold and cough
A bullock with dysentery
These follow-ups helped assess progress, address new concerns, and ensure ongoing care.
The success of these efforts is thanks to the support of donors, advocates, and the community.
Every donation helps make a difference! The APOWA team is grateful for the continued support and looks forward to sharing more updates in the coming month!