• Veterinarian Karrar Ibrahim Hindi (L) sits in an ambulance boat as he heads to treat sick buffalos, in the marshes of Iraq's southern district of Chibayish in Dhi Qar province, on March 26, 2022. - The boat is used by veterinarians as an animal ambulance to bring critical healthcare for livestock, and especially the water buffalo iconic to the marshlands, facing an ever-growing threat from the impacts of rampant pollution and climate change. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
    Veterinarian Karrar Ibrahim Hindi (L) sits in an ambulance boat as he heads to treat sick buffalos, in the marshes of Iraq's southern district of Chibayish in Dhi Qar province, on March 26, 2022. - The boat is used by veterinarians as an animal ambulance to bring critical healthcare for livestock, and especially the water buffalo iconic to the marshlands, facing an ever-growing threat from the impacts of rampant pollution and climate change. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
  • "This veterinary ambulance is the first and only initiative of its kind in the swamps of Iraq," said vet Karrar Ibrahim Hindi.
    "This veterinary ambulance is the first and only initiative of its kind in the swamps of Iraq," said vet Karrar Ibrahim Hindi.
  • The marshes are nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The people who live there eke out a living by breeding buffalo, as well as fishing and tourism.
    The marshes are nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The people who live there eke out a living by breeding buffalo, as well as fishing and tourism.
  • But when the buffalo fell sick, the farmers used to struggle to get them proper veterinary treatment.
    But when the buffalo fell sick, the farmers used to struggle to get them proper veterinary treatment.
  • "The service reduces the distances between the breeders who live in the middle of the marshes and the veterinarians who have their practice in town," said Mr Hindi.
    "The service reduces the distances between the breeders who live in the middle of the marshes and the veterinarians who have their practice in town," said Mr Hindi.
  • The vets help the farmers confront surging levels of sewage dumped in the water and the impact of climate change, with droughts growing in intensity.
    The vets help the farmers confront surging levels of sewage dumped in the water and the impact of climate change, with droughts growing in intensity.
  • Seventy per cent of Iraq's industrial waste is dumped directly into rivers or the sea, according to the UN and academics.
    Seventy per cent of Iraq's industrial waste is dumped directly into rivers or the sea, according to the UN and academics.
  • The UN classifies Iraq "as the fifth most vulnerable country in the world" to climate change.
    The UN classifies Iraq "as the fifth most vulnerable country in the world" to climate change.
  • Veterinarian Karrar Ibrahim Hindi examines a sick buffalo.
    Veterinarian Karrar Ibrahim Hindi examines a sick buffalo.
  • The water level of the marshes is declining, raising their salinity and making the buffalo weak.
    The water level of the marshes is declining, raising their salinity and making the buffalo weak.
  • Biologist Omar al-Sheikhli, technical director of Green Climate, said: "If this continues, even the strongest buffaloes will die."
    Biologist Omar al-Sheikhli, technical director of Green Climate, said: "If this continues, even the strongest buffaloes will die."

MENA

Iraq

Boats for buffaloes: vets in Iraq's marshes treat animals in remote areas

Floating ambulances are used to treat sick animals

The National

April 04, 2022

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Updated: April 04, 2022, 8:59 AM
PhotographyIraq