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Urgent appeal for animal aid after Pakistan flood
Brooke is exploring the need for relief in other parts of Pakistan, such as the Sindh province.

Brooke has set up a relief camp to treat donkeys, horses and livestock.

Working animal charity Brooke has issued an urgent appeal for emergency aid to support the donkeys, horses and livestock of Pakistan.

It comes as nearly 6,000 animals are estimated to have died as a result of the floods which hit the area.

The charity has organised a relief camp in the Buner district of Pakistan, where it is offering emergency veterinary services to animals and supporting animal-owning families. Working animals, such as horses, donkeys, goats and sheep, have perished in flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts.

The death toll includes more than 400 equines, which are vital in local agriculture and transport.

Brooke’s work is expected to benefit 1,000 working animals and 6,000 animal-owning families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is also exploring the need for relief in other parts of Pakistan, such as the Sindh province.

Chris Wainwright, CEO of Brooke, said: “The devastating floods in Pakistan are a stark reminder that when disaster strikes, it is not only people who suffer but also the animals they depend on.”

As relief efforts continue, Brooke has issued an urgent appeal for donations to support its work in Pakistan and beyond.

Donations support the charity in providing medicines and other resources to working animals in deprived areas. It also contributes towards the training of veterinary professionals to treat equines and treat lameness and laminitis.

However, the charity has also called for working animals to be better integrated into disaster protocols.

Brooke believes that disaster risk and response protocols need to provide allowance for working animals to be evacuated safely and provided with necessary care. This could also benefit humans, since working animals can carry people out of disaster zones on their backs.
 
Mr Wainwright added: “Aid must reach livestock-owning communities who are often most vulnerable and furthest left behind, and often below the radar of government assistance. Aid provisions for animals are vital as every working horse or donkey supports a family of six or more.

“In the aftermath of disasters, those animals can help people rebuild damaged infrastructure
 and livelihoods.”

Donations can be made on the Brooke website.

Image © Brooke

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.