Charity launches appeal in response to Cyclone Freddy in southern Malawi.

An urgent fundraising appeal has been launched by the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) in response to Cyclone Freddy in southern Malawi. The WVS team, based in Blantyre, is facing an increasing demand for its services, which provides free emergency care for injured wildlife, livestock, and pets.

Veterinary surgeons in Blantyre are currently treating animals that have been injured in the cyclone. They say that injuries are not the only thing they will be dealing with, and warn that flood waters will spread disease, trap livestock, and limit food supplies. They advise that de-worming campaigns will be essential to prevent the spread of disease in livestock.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, Cyclone Freddy is likely to be the longest lasting tropical cyclone in history. It first hit Madagascar and Mozambique in February before reaching Malawi in March. The cyclone has claimed the lives of more than 600 people, and affected in excess of 1.4 million people.

Dr Dagmar Mayer, Africa projects director at WVS, based in Blantyre said: “It has been devastating to witness the impact of the cyclone across Blantyre. It has caused a vast amount of damage, flooding, over 183,000 people have been displaced and hundreds of human lives have been lost.

“We have already begun treating animals who have been injured because of Cyclone Freddy, responding to calls for help as much as we can, and we are preparing ourselves for an influx of cases as the days go on. From our veterinary clinic in Blantyre, we will respond and provide treatment and aid to any sick or injured animals who need our help. The impact of this will be felt for many months to come.”

WVS provides year-round care for animals in Blantyre and surrounding areas, where access to veterinary services is limited. It treats injured or neglected animals, delivers sterilisation and vaccination campaigns, as well as rescuing and rehoming animals. The team treated 7,575 animals in 2022.

Dr Luke Gamble, founder and CEO of WVS said: “Our team in Malawi already go above and beyond for animals in need. The increasing number of animals arriving in the aftermath of the cyclone will stretch our resources to the limit, but we will ensure all animals receive expert veterinary care.

"Our teams will also be engaging proactively with livestock owners to ensure that outbreaks of disease are prevented.”

More information about the charity’s fundraising appeal can be found here.

Image (C) WVS