This past month we reported on the massive flooding that devastated the small European country of Bosnia-Herzegovina, among its neighbors Croatia and Serbia. This flood crisis has left millions of animals and people in a dire situation and in desperate need for help. Thousands of animals died from the immediate impact of the floods, however many more livestock and companion animals were left requiring urgent assistance.

To provide support for animals that had been impacted, World Vets deployed to the region. Our disaster response personnel worked in collaboration with the faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Sarajevo and government officials to identify needs and get help where it is needed. Together we conducted country-wide assessments that identified animal concerns as well as supplies and equipment needed to help them.  Bosnia-Herzegovina has many very capable veterinarians but many of the  local veterinary clinics had been inundated with water and their medicines and supplies were destroyed giving an urgent need for relief supplies.  Many family run farms lost their entire stock and animals that had survived moved to higher grounds. Surviving animals were suffering from a variety of conditions including pneumonia, infections and skin problems resulting from displacement, lack of available provisions and overall wet conditions.

Based on the regional needs that were identified, we sent a shipment of veterinary supplies and equipment valued at over $10,000 USD to aid in the relief efforts as they relate to animals.  These include herd health and public health issues, zoonotic disease prevention as well as direct animal care.