New Donkey Section launched

From May 2010, vets, veterinary nurses and students will have access to a new source of accurate, regularly reviewed, practical and research-led information about donkeys thanks to a new section of the WikiVet website sponsored by the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary.

The launch of WikiDonkey follows a collaboration between the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and The Donkey Sanctuary as part of the WikiVet project. It will provide the most comprehensive source of specialised donkey veterinary information on the web.

WikiDonkey is the first site of its kind covering all the common conditions of donkeys and identifying the major differences between the management and treatment of donkeys and horses. The site also provides a set of normal physiological, biochemical and haematological parameters, resources that have not always been easily accessible but will undoubtedly prove essential for those treating donkeys.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s veterinary Project and Development Manager, Faith Burden says: “When we were approached by WikiVet to sponsor and provide content for their donkey section we were happy to support the initiative as it offers an excellent medium for us to share our expertise with others. We are pleased that these pages will allow veterinary professionals access to the most up-to-date information on donkey-specific ailments and treatments.”

Nick Short, head of the eMedia unit at the RVC said “I believe that this unique resource will become an invaluable reference for vets not only in the UK but all over the world. It will also help ensure that future generations of veterinary students will have access to a reliable and extensive knowledgebase on donkey health and welfare.”

Go to the donkey section or to find out more about the work of The Donkey Sanctuary visit their website.