The situation of more than 20,000 horses in Ukraine is worrying
More than 20,000 horses remain in the "critical welfare zone" in Ukraine, and the situation is "worsening over time", warns the Benevolent Foundation of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF-CF).
Stress due to war, food restrictions, injuries, and relocation of many of them are among the most common problems faced by equine veterinarians in the country five months after the Russian invasion began.
The poor condition of the horses depletes resources
A survey carried out by the UEF-CF of Ukrainian equine veterinarians also revealed that the lack of medicines and medical equipment are major problems that aggravate the situation. Although essential medicines for horses are easily accessible thanks to the help of international veterinary organizations, they are quickly used up due to the poor condition of the horses. Also, because horse owners are losing their jobs and income, they cannot afford treatment, and this is directly affecting the welfare of these animals.
Lack of diagnostic equipment
Second, the survey revealed a lack of diagnostic equipment in the country, including portable X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, and endoscopes. They often have to move these teams long distances in Ukraine, which affects the ability of veterinarians to make a timely diagnosis due to the weakening of the horses.
The founder of UEF-CF and general secretary of the Equestrian Federation of Ukraine, Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, points out: “Despite the summer period and the humanitarian aid with food for the horses, the risks still persist since the war does not stop. and the need to continue relocating horses continues. This leads to a decrease in immunity and the complication of diseases that end the lives of many horses. In these critical moments, the lack of medicines and medical equipment is the main challenge for veterinarians to save the lives of horses."
There are currently only 30 equine veterinarians available for the growing needs of horses in the whole of Ukraine, a territory equivalent in size to France. The survey indicates that many veterinarians do not ask for payment for their services because horse owners cannot afford it.
Taisia Stadnichenko, UEF-CF's head of Ukraine operations, notes that veterinarians often ask owners to pay them only fuel expenses due to fuel shortages in the country.
Due to this situation, UEF-CF asks for help from veterinary associations to obtain and deliver portable diagnostic equipment to increase the availability of facilities in at least three regions of Ukraine.
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