Donkey Owners Research Articles

Assessment of community-based intervention approaches to improve the health and welfare of working donkeys in selected areas of Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia.

Although efforts have been made by certain non-governmental organizations, like the Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), and Brooke Ethiopia, to change the attitudes and practices of donkey owners toward improving the health and welfare of working donkeys, their impact has not been assessed so far. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess and compare donkeys' health and welfare problems in community-based intervention areas versus non-intervention areas in selected districts of Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia. For the animal-based welfare assessments, 200 donkeys each were selected and included from intervention and non-intervention areas. The selected donkeys were then assessed for their welfare and health status using five important parameters, namely, body condition score, presence and severity of wounds, behavior, presence and severity of lameness, and presence of other signs of illness/diseases. The prevalence and severity of lameness and wounds on donkeys managed in non-intervention areas were higher than those observed in community-based intervention areas. The prevalence of lameness in the non-intervention areas (25.5%) was over two times higher than the prevalence in the intervention areas (12%). Likewise, over 37% of the donkeys in the non-intervention areas were wounded, of which 64% were suffering moderate to severe wounds. Moreover, donkeys in the intervention areas had better body condition and were alert and friendly upon human approach. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) between the intervention and non-intervention areas in all the considered parameters, namely, the presence of lameness, wound, body condition score, demeanor, and response to approach. Based on this study's findings, the community-based intervention approach was found to improve the health and welfare of working donkeys. Therefore, comprehensive and continuous equine health and welfare promotion through community-based intervention approaches should be designed and implemented to improve the welfare of working equines in the country.

Recognition of emotion and pain by owners benefits the welfare of donkeys in a challenging working environment.

Working donkeys (Equus asinus) support human living standards globally. However, there is little information on the effect of human perceptions of emotion and pain on the welfare of working donkeys. We interviewed donkey owners (n=332) in Pakistan to determine the relationship between human perspectives on donkey sentience: emotions and the ability to feel pain, and the routine working practices that could impact donkey welfare. The majority of donkey owners used padding under the saddle (n=211; 63.6%; 95% CI (58.3%-68.9%)) and provided access to food (n=213; 64.2%; 95% CI (58.9%-69.3%)) and water (n=195; 58.7%; 95% CI (53.4%-64.1%)) during the working day. Owners reported that at some point in their donkey's life, 65.3% (95% CI (60.2%-70.5%)) had load-associated injuries, of which 27.7% (n=92; 95% CI (22.8%-32.5%)) were wounds, 20.5% (n=68; 95% CI (16.1%-24.8%)) were lameness and 7.2% (n=24; 95% CI 4.4%-10.0%) were back pain. In total, 81.3% (95% CI 77.1%-85.5%; n=270) of owners believed that their donkeys felt pain, and 70.2% (95% CI (65.2%-75.1%; n=233) of owners believed that their donkeys had emotions. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to understand the relationship between owners' recognition of emotions and pain in donkeys and their working practices. The MCA factor map revealed two clusters, named positive and negative clusters. The positive cluster included owner's recognition of donkey pain and emotions, the availability of food and water, use of padding under the saddle, absence of injuries along with the willingness to follow loading guidelines. The negative cluster represented practices that did not benefit donkey welfare, such as using saddles without padding and a lack of food and water during work. The presence of injuries, owners not recognizing that donkeys feel pain and emotion along with an unwillingness to follow loading guidelines were also found in the negative cluster. We show that the owners who recognized sentience in their donkeys were more likely to use practices that are good for donkey welfare. The ability of owners to identify sentience in donkeys, along with their willingness to follow welfare guidelines, are important factors in improving the lives of working donkeys.

Factors influencing the performance of donkey welfare a case study in benadir region, Somalia

Animal welfare, refers to the ability of an animal to cope with its current living conditions. Such an animal is free from distress, pain and fear, and express innate behavior. This study sought to look at the factors that influence the performance of donkey welfare in Benadir region-Somalia. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the influence of donkey owners’ perceptions on the performance of donkey welfare, to determine the influence of donkeys’ contribution to owners’/user’s livelihood on the performance of donkey welfare and to asses the influence of owner/user training on the performance of donkey welfare. A descriptive study design was used for the study and the sample size for the research study was hundred and eighty (180) donkey owners/users in Benadir region from the three Different districts: - Howlwadag, Warta nabada and Daynile. Quantitative data was collected and coded in SPSS Version 20 for analysis. The study found out that donkey owner’ perceptions, donkeys’ contribution to owner/user livelihood and owner/user level of training had statistically significance association to the influence of on performance of donkey welfare in Benadir Region-Somalia. Donkey owners’ perception affects how they treat the donkeys; donkeys contributed largely to the livelihood of the donkey owners and users. The findings of this study will be help to the donors and other stakeholders as they will help them to mainstream their programming to ensure donkey owners and users change their attitude thereby improving the performance of the donkey welfare. The findings of this study also will provide policy makers and Ministry of Livestock and range in Somalia with information that they will use to ensure that donkey owners and users have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle their donkeys well. The study has built on the existing study and also suggests area of further study and research. the recommendations of the study were that there is need for more sensitization and training to donkey owners or users on donkey welfare issues. In addition, to the government especially the ministry of livestock and range should be done to improve policies that protect the welfare of donkeys.

Awareness and control measures for gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys in Maseru district, Lesotho

Parasitic infection is one of the major problems in equines which negatively influence their health. It hinders working performance of equines. This study was conducted to evaluate donkey owners’ knowledge and control measures on prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Maseru district. A total of 144 donkey owners were selected for individual interviews through a stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze data. The significance (p <0.05) of different AEZs was tested using a post-hoc cell-wise adjusted standardized residual analysis. Majority of donkey owners were familiar with the GIPs especially nematodes as it seemed to be the most occurring, but there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) across the AEZs. The adult donkeys were mostly susceptible to different GIPs according to respondents and severe infection was experienced in summer and winter. Donkeys were dewormed seasonally using anthelmintics with inappropriate weighing instruments to establish the dosage, however, chi-square test pointed out the significance (p = 0.004) effect between types of medication used across the AEZs. Donkeys were kept in non-roofed stables that were not cleaned regularly hence, these compromised their welfare. However, communal grazing shared by different livestock species was the main source of animal feeding though it was found to be the major source of GIPs. Therefore, there is a need to equip them on the proper skills to improve on their management practices and the behaviour of parasites in different areas. This will help donkey owners adhere to appropriate control and prevention strategies.

Studies on socio- economic status of donkey owners and reproductive parameters of jennet in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

The present study was conducted in eight district of Marathwada region, Maharashtra, India. The eighty three donkey owners were selected using pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule and socio-economic variables of donkey owners ware studied. The parameters for the study consist of age at puberty (AP), age at first service (AFS), age at first estrus (AFE), estrus cycle duration (ECD), estrus duration (ED), age at first covering (AFC), age at first conception (AFCO), no. of services/conception (NS), age at first foaling (AFF), service period (SP), foaling interval (FI), gestation period (GP), lifetime no. of foaling (LNF) were2.70±0.02 yrs., 2.79±0.02 yrs., 2.77±0.03 yrs., 6.86±0.084 days, 23.80±0.55days, 2.96±0.01yrs, 5.9±0.07yrs., 1.82±0.06, 4.44±0.01 yrs., 1.14±0.01 yrs., 2.25±0.01 yrs., 340.8±0.27 days and 5.98±0.07, respectively. At the end of the study it is concluded that the efforts are needed to improve socio-economic condition of the farmers along with systematically eliminating identified constraints. Hence sincere efforts should be made to increase awareness of the donkey owners for health care, Vaccination and regular medication and Scientific rearing practices.

Bonded labour and donkey ownership in the brick kilns of India: A need for reform of policy and practice.

Slavery, in the form of 'debt-bondage', is rife in Indian brick kilns, where the enforcement of labour laws is poor. Working equids support brick-kiln workers by transporting raw bricks into the kilns, but the situation of equids and their owners within the brick kilns is relatively unknown. We describe the welfare of donkeys (Equus asinus) owned under conditions of debt-bondage, examine the links between owner and donkey behaviour, and outline the living conditions of both donkeys and humans working in the brick kilns of Gujarat, India. We then explore the unique experience of debt-bondage by donkey owners, compare migration trends to those of non-donkey-owning workers and assess impacts on their children's education. The physical and behavioural conditions of donkeys reflected that of their owners, creating negative feedback loops and potentially reducing productivity. All donkey owners experienced debt-bondage and were particularly vulnerable to unexpected financial loss. Donkey owners, unlike non-owners, migrated within their home state, enabling their children to attend school. Our work highlights the need for policy reform within the brick-kiln industry to acknowledge the pivotal role of working donkeys in supporting human livelihoods.

Participatory appraisal for healthcare and welfare management strategies of donkeys (Equus ascinus) in Balochistan, Pakistan.

In spite of the significant importance of the donkeys (Equus ascinus) as draft animal in resource-poor countries like Pakistan, they are equines not receiving the appropriate care. They face challenges including injuries, diseases, lack of basic environment and mismanagement by their owners. The present study aims to provide a brief update on the current status of management of healthcare and the welfare of domestic donkeys using participatory epidemiological tools. These tools can help to provide better strategies for improving their productivity and inclusion in human society. This study was mainly focused only on donkeys and horses, mules and ponies were excluded from the study. We carried out a systematic review of the relevant available published literature and shortlisted 50 articles reporting on the different health related characteristics of donkeys. A comprehensive questionnaire was completed by 191 donkey owners, including nine farriers (all men, average age = 38.24 ± 12.43) over a time span from October 2021 to March 2022. Multivariate Odds Ratios (MORs) and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the predictions of health management and welfare measures for the surveyed donkeys. The most common observed medical problems in donkey health were hyperlipaemia (28.06%), lameness (16.33%) and dental (20.41%) problems. One-third (34.31%) of the donkeys were underweight. The dull donkey with poor appetite needs a clinical emergency owing to a high risk of developing hyperlipemia, which may be life-threatening. These findings are quite useful for the improvement of healthcare management and the welfare of donkeys.

Welfare Concerns for Mounted Load Carrying by Working Donkeys in Pakistan.

Working donkeys (Equus asinus) are vital to people's livelihoods. They are essential for carrying goods, however, globally, overloading is one of the primary welfare concerns for working donkeys. We studied mounted load carrying by donkeys and associated factors in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of donkey owners (n = 332) was conducted, and interviews were undertaken based on a questionnaire. Owners estimated that the median weight of their donkeys was 110 kg [interquartile range (IQR) 100–120 kg], and that they carried a median mounted load of 81.5 kg (IQR 63–99 kg). We found that 87.4% of donkeys carried a load above 50% of their bodyweight ratio (BWR), the median BWR carried was 77.1% (IQR 54.5–90.7%), and 25.3% of donkeys carried above 90% BWR. Donkeys that were loaded at more than 50% BWR were more likely to adopt sternal recumbency compared to donkeys loaded with less weight (P = 0.01). Donkeys carrying construction material were more likely to carry more than the median BWR, when compared to domestic loads (P < 0.001). Younger donkeys aged between one and 5 years carried more than the median BWR compared to those aged over 15 years (P = 0.03). For the models with donkeys carrying median BWR and above 90% BWR, those working in peri-urban and urban areas were more likely to carry a greater BWR than donkeys working in rural areas (P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively). For donkeys carrying more than 90% BWR, mixed breed donkeys carried higher loads compared to other breeds of donkeys (P < 0.001). Overloading based on current recommendations (50% BWR) was common, with the majority (87.4%) of donkeys reported to carry more than the recommended 50% limit. This survey provides evidence of on-the-ground working practices and factors associated with mounted load carrying, which is critical for developing evidence-based recommendations for loading, in order to improve the welfare of working donkeys.

Cross-Sectional Questionnaire of Donkey Owners and Farriers Regarding Farriery Practices in the Faisalabad Region of Pakistan.

Simple SummaryEnsuring the welfare of donkeys in low-middle income countries (LMICs) requires a collective approach involving donkey owners, farriers, veterinarians and researchers. Faisalabad is an industrial city in the Punjab province of Pakistan, where donkeys are used for goods transportation. Working donkeys require regular farriery to avoid hoof and limb problems, including lameness. The perception of owners regarding the farriery needs of their donkeys, and the farrier’s understanding of quality farriery, play an important part in ensuring donkey welfare. In this study, owners were asked questions about lameness issues in their donkeys, farriery intervals, factors that they considered important in choosing a farrier, as well as problems that they experienced with farriery. Farriers were asked about their business structure, challenges, and the farriery requirements of donkeys in the region. Farriers reported a lack of training, meager wages, and that farriery is an unregulated industry in Pakistan. Owners provided mixed reports regarding the quality of farriery their animals received. Owners ranked the relationship with their farrier as the most important consideration when selecting a farrier, with cost not being a major factor. This study provides important information for interventional projects taking place in the region for the improvement of donkey welfare, and mitigation of lameness and foot-related problems.Quality farriery is essential to ensure donkey welfare, and many intervention programs in low-middle income countries (LMICs) train farriers, and educate owners, regarding the farriery needs of donkeys. It is essential for interventional programs to understand the perspectives of all stakeholders in donkey-owning communities. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Ten farriers and 55 donkey owners participated in the study. Farriers reported receiving no formal training for farriery, insufficient wages (PKR 65 or USD 0.36 per hoof) and the requirement to use traditional tools. Farriers reported an average shoeing time of 5 min per hoof and shoeing between three and 30 donkeys a day. Donkeys were mostly shod while they were harnessed to a cart. Six donkey-owning farriers reported shoeing their donkeys every 20 to 25 days. Owners reported varying shoeing intervals of 20 days to 90 days. Shoeing interval was also affected by seasonal and weather changes. Owners considered their relationship with farriers as the most important factor in choosing a farrier rather than cost. A majority (87%) of the owners reported lameness in their donkeys. The study provides important insights into the many challenges and opportunities in developing quality donkey farriery in the region.

Occurrence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in donkeys from central Kenya.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of zoonotic concern and economic importance in humans and animals, respectively. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of T. gondii and associated risk factors in domestic donkeys from Kirinyaga and Meru counties in Kenya. Blood samples were collected from 363 randomly selected donkeys for detection of antibodies to T. gondii using a commercial kit ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Multi-species indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data on risk factors were collected by interviewing donkey owners using epidemiological questionnaire. Serum antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 26.4% (95% CI: 22.2-31.3) of the donkeys. The analysis showed that age of donkeys (OR = 2.484, 95% CI: 1.315-4.693; p = 0.005) was associated with increased risk for T. gondii seroprevalence while county of origin of donkeys (OR = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.083-0.400; p = 0.000), residential place of donkeys (OR = 0.301, 95% CI: 0.136-0.665; p = 0.003), rearing chicken (OR = 0.203, 95% CI: 0.064-0.644; p = 0.007), and donkey production system (OR = 0.644, 95% CI: 0.456-0.909; p = 0.012) were associated with reduced risk of T. gondii seroprevalence. This is the first report to provide epidemiological information on T. gondii infection among donkeys in Kenya. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii in donkeys suggests the high potential of transmission to other animals and humans. Regular monitoring and control of T. gondii infection in donkeys were recommended in the study area.

Risk factors for infection with equine influenza virus in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Senegal

In recent years, outbreaks of equine influenza are reported in several countries in the world particulary in Africa. This study is designed to assess the potential risk factors associated with equine influenza virus infection in donkeys in Senegal. The study consists in comparing, depending on the exposure to risk factors, a batch of donkeys infected with the equine influenza virus to another batch of donkeys not infected with the virus during the epizootic of March 2019 which affected the department of Foundiougne. The study reveals that the spread of the equine influenza virus in Foundiougne is associated with the lack of access to veterinary care and infected donkeys were exposed in a ratio of 2 times (95% CI: 1.38; 4.71) more than donkeys unharmed. The wandering of donkeys is also linked with the disease. The indicator reflecting the strength of the relationship, the Odds Ratio is 2.06 (95% CI: 1.10; 3.87). However, the results indicate that attendance at rural markets (Odds Ratio = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.44; 1.82), young age (Odds Ratio = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.52, 1.55) and female sex (Odds Ratio = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.57; 1, 66) do not appear to be related to the spread of the disease. At present, in Senegal, control focused on sensitizing and informing donkey owners on the sanitary management and rational use of donkeys is essential for their well-being.

Constraints and opportunities for Donkey owners in Tamil Nadu

Constraints and opportunities for Donkey owners in Tamil Nadu

Comparison of the socio-economic value and welfare of working donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia

AbstractDonkeys (Equus asinus) are widely used throughout Ethiopia and play essential roles in a variety of everyday and income-generating tasks for the people that use them. The challenges faced by people and their working equids vary across communities and geographic locations. This may have implications for how donkeys are perceived by the people they work for, the roles they fulfil and ultimately their welfare. Two complementary methodological approaches were used in this study to explore the socio-economic value of donkeys for their owners and the welfare of the donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia. Using a questionnaire, donkey owners were asked about their donkeys, their attitudes and beliefs related to donkey use and ownership, and the role donkeys played in their lives. Animal-based welfare assessments were also conducted on a sample of donkeys from different locations, with the overarching aim of the study to investigate differences in use, beliefs, and donkey welfare between rural and urban locations. In both rural and urban locations, working donkeys are critical for their owners’ income-generating activity and therefore their livelihoods. The work they undertake differs substantially between locations, as does their welfare. Work in each setting presents its own challenges and these are reflected in the behaviour and physical health of the donkeys. Rural donkeys showed more apathetic behaviour, a higher ectoparasite burden and greater evidence of tethering/hobbling. Urban donkeys were more alert and had a wider range of body condition scores. The findings highlight marked differences in the role and welfare of donkeys between different areas within the same country, demonstrating the importance of understanding the context, both from the perspective of humans and working equids, prior to staging interventions intended to benefit either party.

Response of UK Horse, Pony and Donkey Owners to the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Simple SummaryCOVID-19 spread across the UK in early 2020. On 16 March 2020, the government announced measures that could be taken by the public to reduce the spread of the virus. On the 18 March 2020 schools across the UK were closed and by 23rd March 2020, the UK entered its first mandatory lockdown. During this time, UK equestrians had to balance meeting their horse’s welfare needs with government advice and guidance. A survey was distributed to equine owners at the end of March 2020 via social media to try to understand their equine-related decision-making at this time. Data from 452 respondents indicated differences between the types of changes made following the government announcements on 16 March and 18 March. Early changes were focused on implementing biosecurity measures at equine establishments and opting to stop riding the horse, while those after 18 March were largely aimed at reducing the risk associated with various equine-related activities. The findings suggest that few equestrians had emergency plans in place should they be unable to care for their horses, donkeys or mules, and also raise questions about risk perception.In the UK, March 2020 was a time of great uncertainty as COVID-19 became increasingly widespread. The government responded by making suggestions about how people could reduce the risk of spread on 16 March, moved swiftly into closing schools on the 18 March before announcing a mandatory lockdown on the 23rd March. This was a challenging time for UK equestrians who had to balance maintaining their equine’s routine and daily care alongside the increasing biosecurity measures. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to UK equestrians via social media over two days (28 and 29 March 2020) to better understand the decisions made by UK horse, pony and donkey owners during this time. Data from 452 respondents were generated across all four countries comprising the UK, although there were no significant differences in owner response to the pandemic between locations. The changes respondents made differed between the 16th and the 18th of March 2020, with an early emphasis on improving yard biosecurity and opting to stop riding, as well as reducing the time spent at the yard. After the 18 March, respondents placed more emphasis on risk reduction by changing the activities they did with their horse, including riding, with common examples including avoiding “high risk” activities such as riding on busy roads, jumping, riding young or nervous horses. Few respondents reported having an emergency plan in place should they become ill or otherwise unable to care for their equine. The findings highlight areas that would significantly benefit from in-depth investigation in future research. Equestrian behaviour and mindset around risk-taking and risk perception have already been researched in relation to equestrian activities and sport but have received little attention in the context of wider health challenges. Understanding the uptake of emergency planning and preparation in the UK equestrian community also warrants consideration. Using this information effectively to promote forward planning is likely to be of great benefit in equestrian responses to future health or climate-related crises.

A Survey of Smallholder Farms Regarding Demographics, Health Care, and Management Factors of Donkeys in Northeastern China.

Essential information on the population dynamics and the health and welfare of Chinese donkeys is scarce. The objectives of this study were to describe the demographic characteristics, management and health care of a sample of donkeys under smallholder farm conditions of northeastern China. A cross-sectional survey of 731 randomly selected donkey owners on smallholder farms (1,658 donkeys) in 40 villages of northeastern China was conducted. Data on the composition and management of the donkeys and their routine health care were analyzed. The surveyed donkey population consisted of mostly (83.8%) jenny/filly donkeys with a mean age of 6.2 ± 5.0 years. Most (91.2%) of the farms kept 1–4 donkeys. The majority of donkeys were used for breeding and labor. Most (93.8%) of the farms did not have bedding, and their mean stable size was 17.7 ± 10.1 m2. All of the animals were turned out for at least part of the year. The mean size of the turnout areas on the farms was 17.8 m2. The condition of 12.5% of the donkeys was evaluated as “poor” with a body condition score of 1 on a scale of 5. More than one third (37.9%) of the donkeys had never been dewormed. Also, none of them were ever vaccinated or received dental care from a veterinarian. Their hoofs were trimmed once (45.9%) or twice (27.6%) a year. Forty percent of the donkeys were reported to suffer from at least one medical problem in the preceding year. The most common medical problems were colic, respiratory disorders and skin conditions. Owners seemed to underestimate some of the most prevalent diseases in donkeys, suggesting that their knowledge of the management of donkeys, including routine healthcare practices should be improved to ensure the health and welfare of donkeys in northeastern China.

An appraisal study of donkey in three Northern states of Nigeria

This qualitative study on donkey was conducted in Bauchi, Kano and Kebbi States of Nigeria. The objective of the study was to understand the role, significance and potential areas needing intervention in donkey rearing in the rural setting. The study was also used to obtain first-hand baseline information on the state of knowledge on the donkey in the states surveyed. Sixty two locations were visited comprising 36 from Kebbi, 19 from Bauchi and 17 from Kano States respectively. Rapid Rural Participatory Appraisal (RRPA) technique with check list of questions and farmers' participation was employed in villages/towns randomly selected to cover all the ecological zones in each of the three States. A meeting of one to two hours was organized with the farmers and donkey owners. Observations were made on donkeys at home and in the field. Problems mentioned by respondents included: Colics (Anomari),ulcerative lymphangitis, inflammation of the tongue, interdigital dermatitis, ear sore, fistulous withers, unknown causes of lameness and nervous system disorder called locally as "chinkai chinkai". There were generally poor or no veterinary facilities and services in most of the villages and towns. It was not the farmers practice to take donkeys to clinic for treatment. Mortality was high during the late dry season in most places but also occurred in the rainy season in some places. Areas for further investigations were also highlighted.

English

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for African Horse Sickness (AHS) in donkeys in the highland area of Kiambu County, Kenya. Data on the risk factors was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 146 donkey owners while blood samples collected from 398 donkeys both during the rainy and dry seasons. Antibodies against AHS were detected using competitive antibody Enzyme Linked Immuno – Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). The estimated sero-prevalence of AHS in donkeys was 35.2 and 27.6% during the rainy and the dry seasons, respectively. The sero-prevalence of AHS in the donkeys that were re-examined during both seasons decreased from 60 to 20% indicating a waning immunity. Age of the donkey (P= 0.02) and presence of water streams (P= 0.03) were significant risk factors of AHS among donkeys. Three seropositive donkeys also showed pulmonary clinical signs of AHS. There was poor agreement (k =0.05) between the c-ELISA and clinical diagnosis of AHS. In conclusion, AHS in donkeys is endemic in the highland area of Kenya. This calls for increased adoption of preventive measures against the disease and justifies the need for future research on clinical and epidemiological patterns of AHS in donkeys in other highland areas. Key words: African horse sickness, donkeys, highland area, prevalence, risk factors.

Factors associated with level of income derived from working donkeys for smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Kenya

Few studies have documented the economic benefits obtained from working donkeys within the context of a highland agro-ecosystem. The objective of this study was to determine farm level factors associated with household incomes for farms that keep donkeys within smallholder farms in central Kenya. Data was collected using a semi- structured questionnaire administered to 351 donkey owners and users and analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The results show that an average household owned three donkeys with a ratio of male to female donkeys estimated at 2:1. Majority (83%) of the donkeys were purchased into farms. Most households (98%) relied on donkeys as their primary source of income. The monthly gross margin obtained through commercial transport of goods using donkeys was 9,272 ± 41.7 KES implying a gross profit of 62%. The farm level factors that were associated with level of household incomes included the number of working donkeys reared per farm (P &lt; 0.001), number of hours the donkeys worked (P = 0.05), savings from using own donkey transportations (P &lt; 0.001) and engaging in crops (P = 0.017) and other livestock farming (P = 0.004). Alternative household income could be earned from the sale of donkey manure, hiring out of donkeys for work and sale of adult donkeys or their foals. Indirectly, use of own donkey for transport saved on transport and labor charges. These results call for a shift in attention on donkey health and welfare, which is ignored by livestock extension agents and policy makers in most farming systems across the developing world, where communities rely on donkeys as a source of subsistence for livelihoods.

Assessment of Provision of Extension Services and Advocacy on Donkey Health and Welfare in Kenya

Aim: To determine type of benefits from keeping donkeys, challenges facing donkey farmers and how to streamline supply of medicines for treatment of donkeys in Kenya.&#x0D; Study Design: A descriptive study conducted in selected regions where donkey welfare projects are implemented and other regions without these projects between the months of May and August, 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Data collected from donkey owners and users, animal health service providers, regulatory body, and agro-vets using semi-structured and check list questionnaires. A total of 156 questionnaires administered to donkey owners and users and 87 animal health providers.&#x0D; Results: Benefits of keeping donkeys included income obtained from transportation services, sale of surplus donkeys in a herd and hiring them out for a fee, such income are used for paying school fees for children and medical care. On average donkeys contributed about 20% of household incomes from livestock. Donkeys often suffered from myriad of challenges: infestation with endoparasites, wounds, colic, fractures, lameness, pneumonia, babesiosis, trypanosomiasis and zoonoses including tetanus and rabies. Sale volume for medicines used to treat donkey diseases in agro-vets (shops selling agricultural inputs including veterinary drugs) was approximately 15%, while percentage of donkey cases treated by animal health providers was about 7% of total caseload. Level of need for response to donkey cases by animal health providers was ranked 4th on a priority scale of 1-5. Furthermore, agro-vets did not stock medicines for pain relief. Moreover, differences exist between regions where donkey welfare projects are implemented as compared to other regions on level of knowledge of animal health providers on type of medicines used for treatment of clinical cases in donkeys, requirements for regulation of veterinary practices and types of veterinary providers (P = 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: These results support prioritization of training on early recognition for conditions which compromises wellbeing of donkeys and access to pain relief medicines.

Analysis of the benefits and production challenges of working donkeys in smallholder farming systems in Kenya.

Aim:The aim of the study was to determine the benefits of keeping donkeys and associated production challenges under a smallholder farming system in Kenya.Materials and Methods:A descriptive study was conducted with smallholder farmers keeping donkeys in 13 administrative locations in Kirinyaga County. Data were collected using a questionnaire guide in 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) using participatory epidemiological methods. The FGDs comprised 8-12 participants who were donkey owners. Data were collected through listing, pair-wise ranking, and probing on the benefits of keeping donkeys, challenges faced by working donkeys and the common diseases that affect donkeys in these farms. Data analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric method to test whether median ranks were significantly different. Other farm level data were also collected using the structured questionnaire and these were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.Results:The identified benefits included income obtained from the use of donkeys in transportation (Z=5.80) and manure production (Z=3.47), which enabled the farmers to participate in trade activities and improve crop farming. The identified challenges included theft for slaughter (Z=5.99), disease incidence (Z=3.03), road accidents (Z=2.83), and malicious cutting (Z=2.32). Some of the diseases identified were tetanus (Z=5.35), hoof problems (Z=4.55), helminthiases (Z=3.10), and mange (Z=2.24). Participants ranked diseases based on their effects on work output for the donkeys, reducing productivity and often causing death. Addressing these production challenges would optimize donkey use among smallholder farmers.Conclusion:The results presented can be important for policymakers and extension agents regarding the health and welfare of donkeys kept under similar settings.