Mongolian Herder Veterinarian Training

The winter of 2024 has been strenuous, starting from the first snowfall at the end of November 2023. It turned out to be the most challenging winter. We worked hard in Arkhangai province as its northern Soums started suffering tremendously,  and they were struggling with the inevitable burden of Dzud.

Our veterinary outreach program was efficient in the coldest month of winter, January 2024, crossed 14 bags of four Soums respectively in Arkhangai Province (five bags of Erdenemandal Soum, two bags of Khairkhan Soum, two bags from Ulziit Soum, five bags from Ugii Nuur Soum, Arkhangai province). 

During our outreach program, we assisted 160 herder families with a veterinary medicine package paired with a professional's instruction and advice, and livestock check-ups and treatment by our head vets Ts.Batzorig and E.Munkhbat. The roads were excruciatingly tough as snow ground was 35-86 cm thick with icy layers underneath in some areas with temperatures of minus 29-31 Celsius in the morning, minus 21-23 Celsius in the afternoon, and 32-43 Celsius in the evening. Getting stuck in the snow or pulling out herders' vehicles was one of the challenging aspects of the entire trip to an approximate 2300-kilometer destination. 

It's heart-wrenching to see how herders could do so little to help their livestock, apart from feeding them on whatever resources they had together with harvested grass, grain, oats, wheat, and spent grain mix. The herders were deeply agonized over the harsh situation. Thus, some even burst into tears and appreciated our support when they received our sincere assistance at their pastures. 

Livestock were fed in the fences and suffering from the freezing conditions/weather and lack of nutrition; they barely traveled 15 meters on their feed from their fence. Additionally, there was not a single grass available to chew or graze. 

Due to the thick snow on the ground, open hoof wounds, lacerations, and malnutrition were common among livestock. Our vets treated animals with proper medications such as antiseptics, wound sprays, IV fluid, and multivitamins. The injection solutions were unable to be administered due to the cold temperature. Thus, our vets found oral treatment solutions.  

We honorably extend our gratitude to our donors and supporters for making our Veterinary Outreach Program possible and enabling us to help those in the utmost need at this time of the year. 

With your support, we have helped over 160 herder families with about 800 people and brought hope and care in such unbearable situations.