Alnair the donkey’s painful skin disease
Across the world, millions of working animals are at risk due to a growing global water crisis. Climate change is driving more frequent and severe droughts, while pollution, poverty, and poor infrastructure leave many communities without access to clean water.
In these areas, donkeys, horses, and camels play a vital role – helping families collect and transport water for drinking, cooking, and farming. Yet, while these animals work tirelessly to support their communities, they are often the last to receive essential care and resources.
One such working animal is Alnair, a donkey from Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania.
A lifeline for his community
In many parts of Nouakchott, there is no piped water supply. Hundreds of donkeys like Alnair are used to transport water from standpipes to people’s homes. Pulling carts that can weigh up to 400 kilograms, these animals travel long distances across hot, sandy terrain every day.
This difficult and essential work helps families access clean water and provides Alnair’s owner, Moubarek, with a small but vital income to support his family.
Pain and discomfort
Recently, Moubarek became worried when Alnair began constantly itching and scratching himself. Concerned for his donkey’s health, he took him to a mobile veterinary clinic – run by Together for Animals’ member charity, SPANA – visiting the Dar Naïm area of Nouakchott.
After a thorough examination, SPANA vets diagnosed mange, a painful and highly contagious skin disease caused by mites. The infection had started around Alnair’s ears and spread across his body, leaving sore, inflamed skin and open wounds.
Treatment and care
The SPANA team immediately began treatment. They carefully cleaned the affected areas, applied soothing antiseptic cream, and administered anti-parasitic medication to kill the mites. Because mange is contagious, the vets advised Moubarek to isolate Alnair from other animals and take care when handling him.
They also showed him how to clean the wounds properly and instructed him to thoroughly disinfect Alnair’s shelter. To ensure full recovery, Alnair was scheduled for a follow-up visit in 15 days.
Moubarek expressed his gratitude: “I’ve known SPANA for a long time and I’m always grateful for the care and treatment they provide to my animals. They treat them with compassion and help them recover from their illnesses. I know my animals are in good hands.”
Supporting working animals in crisis
Working animals like Alnair are essential to daily life in communities around the world, yet they are often the first to suffer during droughts and other climate emergencies. Access to clean, uncontaminated water is crucial for their welfare, especially in times of crisis.
Thanks to your kindness, SPANA’s teams are able to provide emergency feed, clean water, and lifesaving veterinary care to sick and injured working animals – even in the most remote areas. Right now, countless working animals are suffering from extreme heat and thirst. You can help provide relief, treatment, and hope.