Within 48 hours of the initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake, World Vets had its disaster response team on the ground in Kathmandu, Nepal. From the moment of their arrival, our veterinarians encountered many animals in a desperate situation. It quickly became  apparent that there was a huge demand for life-saving veterinary work and that they would be able to provide much needed relief.

Our veterinarians traveled extensively throughout the country, aiding the hardest hit, and hardest to reach, rural communities. They collaborated these efforts with several local and international animal welfare organizations, and government agencies, who all came together to help animals impacted by the disaster.

See animal rescue updates here

One of the most urgent animal needs related to livestock. More specifically helping many milk cows who had traumatic limb injuries and downer cow syndrome (see picture right). Our veterinarians had livestock expertise and thus were able treat many of these cows.

In the villages visited, livestock are not only providers of milk, but are considered family members who are loved. They are also part of household livelihood strategies and in turn many families are dependent on these working animals for their survival. Being able to help their animals was a very rewarding experience as part of this disaster response effort.

Veterinarian and World Vets disaster responder, Dr. Springer Browne, provides hands on training to Nepalese veterinary professionals

 Our work in Nepal not only brought urgently needed care to injured and sick animals, but assistance to the families that depend on them. We would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed to our response. If you would like to donate to our international disaster relief efforts, you can do so here.

See pictures from Nepal Disaster Response

Many thanks to Fondation Brigitte Bardot for their support of our disaster preparedness and relief efforts.