Large-scale killing of donkeys in Africa to meet China's surging demand for their meat and skins is hitting Africa's economy in rural, arid and semi-arid areas. The donkey population has been decimated by the spread of diseases such as haemorrhagic fever and dengue fever. "The major mode of transport in rural areas is the donkey. Most of the work of carrying luggage such as maize, firewood and water is done by these donkeys," warned Linus Mwirigi, the chairman of the Tunza Punda donkey clinics organisation, adding that this is coupled with low donkey reproduction levels globally, which are adding to concerns.
Large-scale killing of donkeys in Africa to meet China's surging demand for their meat and skins is hitting Africa's economy in rural, arid and semi-arid areas. More than 100,000 donkeys have been slaughtered over the past year. "The major mode of transport in rural areas is the donkey. Most of the work of carrying luggage such as maize, firewood and water is done by these donkeys," warned Linus Mwirigi, the chairman of the Tunza Punda donkey clinics organisation, adding that this is coupled with low donkey reproduction levels globally, which are adding to concerns.