Risk factors for strap-related lesions in working donkeys at the World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan.
Abstract: A risk analysis was undertaken in an attempt to improve improvised rump straps on donkeys carrying tourists at the World Heritage Site at Petra, Jordan. Tail-base lesions were identified in 63 of the 86 donkeys. Observations and questionnaires were used to collect data relating to the straps, donkey health and human attitudes. The worse lesions were associated with padded rather than unpadded straps, if tightly fitted. Padding could be a cause of, or a response to lesions, but results suggest that it did not effectively aid healing. Significantly worse lesions occurred with unclean than with clean straps and, contrary to many recommendations, cotton straps were associated with worse lesions than were synthetic straps. Since this was an exploratory study, findings should be considered to generate (not to test) hypotheses and any resulting interventions will require monitoring. Further possible risks are discussed, referring to medical and veterinary literature and applied expertise in working equines.
Publication Date: 2007-09-14 PubMed ID: 17869139DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.014Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research article discusses a study undertaken to identify the risk factors for strap-related lesions in working donkeys at Petra, Jordan. By combining observations and questionnaires, the researchers were able to link certain types of straps and cleanliness conditions to the severity of the lesions, providing insights for potential interventions.
Objective and Methodology
- The main objective of the study was to improve the condition of working donkeys at Petra, Jordan by identifying the risk factors associated with strap-related lesions.
- The researchers carried out a risk analysis on the effects of improvised rump straps on the donkeys, which were used to carry tourists at the World Heritage Site.
- Data was collected through both observations and questionnaire data, focusing on strap conditions, donkey health, and human attitudes towards their care.
Key Findings
- The study found that 63 out of the 86 donkeys under observation had tail-base lesions, showing a high incidence rate.
- Notably, the worst lesions were associated with padded straps that were fit tightly. The study suggests that while padding could potentially cause or respond to lesions, it did not effectively aid in healing them.
- In terms of cleanliness, unclean straps were associated with significantly worse lesions compared to clean straps.
- Interestingly, contrary to many recommendations, the study found that cotton straps resulted in worse lesions compared to synthetic straps.
Implications and Further Research
- As this was an exploratory study, the findings are intended to generate hypotheses rather than testing them. This means that their findings point towards potential risks and interventions, but these suggestions need to be tested and monitored.
- The researchers suggest considering the findings in light of medical and veterinary literature, as well as applied expertise in working equines, to further identify possible risks and preventative measures.
Cite This Article
APA
Burn CC, Pritchard JC, Farajat M, Twaissi AA, Whay HR.
(2007).
Risk factors for strap-related lesions in working donkeys at the World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan.
Vet J, 178(2), 263-271.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.014 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. charlotte.burn@worcester.oxon.org
MeSH Terms
- Animal Welfare
- Animals
- Equidae / injuries
- Risk Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Farhat SF, McLean AK, Mahmoud HFF. Welfare Assessment and Identification of the Associated Risk Factors Compromising the Welfare of Working Donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egyptian Brick Kilns. Animals (Basel) 2020 Sep 9;10(9).
- Stringer AP, Christley RM, Bell CE, Gebreab F, Tefera G, Reed K, Trawford A, Pinchbeck GL. Owner reported diseases of working equids in central Ethiopia. Equine Vet J 2017 Jul;49(4):501-506.
- Geiger M, Hovorka AJ. Using physical and emotional parameters to assess donkey welfare in Botswana. Vet Rec Open 2015;2(1):e000062.
- Stringer AP, Bell CE, Christley RM, Gebreab F, Tefera G, Reed K, Trawford A, Pinchbeck GL. A cluster-randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of different knowledge-transfer interventions for rural working equid users in Ethiopia. Prev Vet Med 2011 Jun 15;100(2):90-9.
- Burden FA, Du Toit N, Hernandez-Gil M, Prado-Ortiz O, Trawford AF. Selected health and management issues facing working donkeys presented for veterinary treatment in rural Mexico: some possible risk factors and potential intervention strategies. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010 Apr;42(4):597-605.
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