Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th October 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

African Union calls for urgent action on donkey skin trade
Donkey skin is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Member states urged to prioritise ban.

The African Union's commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment has written to member states urging them to prioritise the recent ban on slaughtering donkeys for their skin.

Donkey skin is used to make an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao. At least 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year to supply demand, according to research by The Donkey Sanctuary. The moratorium on the donkey skin trade was passed by the African Union in February.

In Africa there are an estimated 33 million donkeys and many are used as working animals. Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal had already banned donkey exports to China before the African Union moratorium was introduced.

In her letter, Josefa L.C. Sacko emphasised that countries need to integrate the welfare of donkeys into their national plans, as well as allocate resources and instigate polices to mitigate adverse economic and environmental aspects of the trade.

The Donkey Sanctuary and its partners in the International Coalition for Working Equids have welcomed the letter.

Otieno Mtula, regional advocacy and campaigns manager (Africa) for The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The urgency of this request from the African Union demonstrates its commitment to protecting one of Africa’s most precious resources, and represents an important milestone in our campaign to end the skin trade.

“This is not just about a moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys, but a move toward a future where their contribution is valued and their welfare is sacrosanct.

“As demand for their skins continues to threaten Africa’s donkeys, food security and livelihoods, this is a call to arms to member states to prioritise and allocate resources so collectively they can bring an end this cruel and unsustainable trade and protect these hardworking, sentient animals.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.