Health and welfare problems of donkeys in North and South Wollo Zones, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

In Ethiopia there is huge population of donkeys with prominent roles in the rural community. Donkeys play a vital role in the North and South Wollo Zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. However, limited studies were found on the welfare, health and management-related problems of donkeys. This study was conducted to assess the health and welfare problems of donkeys in selected districts of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Direct observation and indirect questionnaire assessment methods were used to collect welfare data. A total of 159 working donkeys were examined directly in their homestead, grain mill centers and market of loading and unloading centers. A questionnaire survey (n =780) was conducted on purposively selected donkey owners to assess the attitudes and management practices in relation to welfare and health-related data.  The majority of the respondents (93%) in the study area had no knowledge or information on donkey health and welfare issues. Donkey owners (46%) didn’t have a separate house for donkeys. Strangles, colic, pneumonia, wound, anthrax and equine sarcoid are important donkey diseases respectively. Heat stroke, disease, feed shortage; improper harnessing, overloading and overworking are important welfare problems of donkeys. Disease (28.5%), overloading (28.4%) and poor harnessing (25.2%) were important causes of wounds. The prevalence of wounds was significantly associated with flour cooling practice (χ² = 17.1; P=0.001) where donkeys loaded without flour cooling had a greater prevalence of wound. Despite their benefits, most owners had incorrect attitudes towards their donkeys. In conclusion working donkeys in the study area were experiencing a multifactorial health and welfare problems. Awareness creation about the better management practices of pack donkeys to owners through mass education, training and extension service should be promoted.