By Josep Subirana (Veterinary Training Advisor)
17 May 2011

Six days of both theoretical and practical training has flown by. Local vets have managed to develop their skill, while we get a better understanding about the needs of working equine animals in a specific local context.

After training I have the chance to go along with the local vets on a “suivi sanitaire,” a visit to a traditional village where donkeys play a vital role. 

Life is hard in these villages. There is only a well to get water and no electricity. Houses are made out of mud and straw. The only transport available are some donkey charts and few, very old bicycles.

We arrive in the village of Neto. I introduce myself to the chief and it is clear that we are very welcome and our services much appreciated.

Adults, children and animals, all gather around and we start working. We treat the animals and introduce the villagers to different aspects of animal welfare. One of our local vets, Awa, has developed a sustainable way to treat wounds with the locally available Shea butter and this procedure is shown to villagers.

Interest is high and the experience is gratifying. We leave the village with a sense of achievement and a couple of mangos. The season is starting now.

Read Josep's other blogs about Senegal:

First impressions of Senegal
 

Veterinary training