3 research outputs found

    The welfare and access to veterinary health services of mules working the mountain trails in the Gorkha region, Nepal

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    Working equid populations are mainly present in low to middle-income countries, their work directly contributing to the lives of people reliant on their presence. Although assistance from working equids is important to support people and their communities in these regions, their welfare is often poor. This study aims to provide insight into the welfare status of mules distributing supplies in the Gorkha region of Nepal; a population of working equids which has been largely overlooked and under recorded. The welfare of mules was assessed via the Equid Assessment Research and Scoping (EARS) tool using a trained assessor; livelihood surveys gathered basic demographic and ownership information; and semi-structured interviews gained the perspectives of 26 key informants. Mule body condition was found to be ideal in many cases, but their management was in the majority of cases inappropriate; characterised by integumentary trauma from equipment use and inhumane handling, unsuitable dietary provision, and insufficient access to water. This difficult situation was compounded by inadequate access to suitably qualified, experienced veterinary professionals able to offer appropriate levels of support. Organisations aiming to improve welfare in these remote locations need a multifaceted approach where owners are facilitated and empowered to improve the welfare of their own equids; in addition, industry professionals are encouraged to improve training and provision within veterinary service

    Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of people toward Japanese Encephalitis in endemic areas of Nepal

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    Japanese encephalitis is a serious vector borne viral zoonotic disease, particularly in Asia and Northern Australia. In Nepal, JE cases were reported in 63 out of 75 districts up until the year 2005. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) toward JE and associated factors. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on the KAP of people in endemic areas. Accordingly, 397 respondents demonstrated a desirable attitude, while half of the population exhibited desirable knowledge and practices. Age was found to be a significant factor for knowledge, wherein the senior population had better awareness of the vectors of JE. Moreover, education and occupation were found to be significant factors for KAP scores with an increase in level of education leading to an increase in desirable characteristics. This study determined that the characteristics of the surrounding environment were prominent factors. A significant number of people were not aware of the JE vaccine even though the government has made it available to most of the population of Nepal. Thus, more effective awareness programs should be implemented to increase the KAP of the population with regard to JE

    “Not All Who Wander Are Lost”: The Life Transitions and Associated Welfare of Pack Mules Walking the Trails in the Mountainous Gorkha Region, Nepal

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    Equids in general experience transient lives where ownership may change multiple times, for working equids this can be more extreme where ownership changes are not only numerous but abrupt, and situations encountered prove difficult, diverse and tough for equids to adapt. In this study, we investigate the life cycle of pack mules in Nepal, investigating the challenges they face during their lives through to end of life. To gain insight into the lives of mules, we conducted semi-structured interviews and livelihood surveys with 27 key informants, gathering the perspectives of the people working with mules. Welfare assessments of the mules were undertaken via the Equid Assessment Research and Scoping tool (EARS) by a trained assessor. Mules had to adapt swiftly to changes in industry type, enduring long distance transportation in overloaded vehicles and across country borders with no checks for biosecurity or welfare. Mules had to show swift adaptation to their new environment, to respond to and learn new tasks via inhumanely administered training, using inappropriate techniques, delivered by owners lacking in understanding of mule behaviour and learning. Environmental conditions were often hard; the negotiation of difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions during monsoon and subsequent high-altitude working without acclimatisation likely pushed mules to their biological limits. This study investigates the lives of a population of mules in the mountains of Nepal, developing a better understanding of their needs and their ‘truth’ or ‘telos’ informing what measures will help them to thrive
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