Mongolian Herder Veterinarian Training

Spring Veterinary Outreach Program (10 April - 6 June 2023)

Calving season was such a challenge to herders this spring after winter with Dzud (harsh weather and severe cold with lack of pasture). With one night snow storm and harsh but untamed weather change, newborns are at a high risk to lose lives. 

Our team, led by veterinarian D.Ochirbat, delivered veterinary service and checkup to those animals in need of treatment and professional care, and helped herders to facilitate their lives with better veterinary medicine knowledge and proper usage besides providing them with calving manpower by our vet internship students.

During the project, senior veterinary students stayed with herders families for nine days, between 10-18 April, 2023, and helped them with husbandry and receiving newborns. Meanwhile, vet D.Ochirbat conducted essential veterinary service and treatment in the Bag area. Over all, we worked in Gichgen and Chuluut bags of Jargaltkhaan Soum, Khentii Province. The destination was up to 130 km each day to reach a herder’s spring pasture. Some families were at their winter pastures as they followed the water source and warmth during strong dust storms.  

During the calving period, we treated approximately 80 livestocks including cattle, horses, sheep and goats for 38 families in nine days. Therefore, Selenium and vitamin E shots were given to 1000 new born lambs and kids to prevent from the white muscle disease, known as Tocopherol Deficiency, in the herders’ pastures. 

Not only veterinary checkup from 24 May - 6 June 2023 was conducted among over 100 livestocks in need but also necessary veterinary medicine packages were delivered alongside professional’s advice and instruction for 39 herder families in the Soums of Khentii and Bulgan Provinces. 

The veterinary medicine package included terramycin and oxytetracycline wound spray, Penbex Solution, Multi vitamin 100 ml, Vitamin E-Se, 100 ml, Ainil 100 ml, Ivermectin 100 ml, Amoxvit 100 mg, Mobi Dust 100 ml ad Cypermethrin 10 EC for ticks and eliminate ectoparasite spread and its damage in herds, 7.5% Iodine 300 ml for disinfection, Intramammary ointment 10 ml tubes, Opticure named eye ointments 5g, Amilyte C 500ml, Albendizol 10%, Cal-Plus injection, Bimodine bolus and subsidiary needles and syringes.  

The following veterinary medicines are commonly used to prevent and treat the topical infections such as lacerations and abrasions, wound dehiscence, dermatitis and footrot, and administered as antibiotic supplements, boost immunization, and treat such infections and equine and cattle flu which is big issue among herds in spring. All medications delivered with sophisticated instruction on how to administer an animal, treat it and introduce the proper usage of veterinary medications. For instance, when calves are newborn they are prone to infection so using Iodine solution on their navels was recommended and taught by our veterinarian.

The herders were greatly thankful for all the support and assistance during the calving season. We, Steppe and Hoof NGO, implemented the "Spring Veterinary Outreach Program" successfully thanks to our donors' wholehearted support and  recurring donations.

We are extedning our sincere gratitude on behalf of  herders in the remote area to our donors and Mongol Derby Riders, who raised funds, for supporting our veterinary projects.