Donkeys are also suffering injuries to their skin and bones, including hoof issues, parasitic infections and bruised sole – one of the most common causes of lameness in horses.
But Dr Saif’s team has been forced to buy medicines on the black market at massively inflated prices.
“We have very basic provisions and are running on an emergency basis,” said Dr Alden. “There is no other option – either we buy, or donkeys and horses suffer and die before our eyes.”
He added that the charity was still waiting for a shipment of veterinary medicines that is still stuck on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border.
It is not the first time that donkeys have been caught up in a major conflict.
Throughout both world wars, they transported food and arms to men in the trenches. Their sure-footedness and ability to navigate areas with rough terrain or limited infrastructure has rendered them invaluable in hard to reach areas.
“Their resilience and adaptability can often mean the difference between life and death in emergencies where rapid access to care is essential,” said Dr Alden.
“If we didn’t have donkeys, how would it be possible for us to live? To transfer the injured to hospitals? To bring water?” said Dr Alden. “We live in exceptionally difficult circumstances, but in this case, donkeys are our hope.”
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