Working animals such as equids, pack camels and oxen are valuable assets to communities in developing countries, but veterinary care is frequently not available, inadequate, or too expensive, resulting in suboptimal welfare and reduced financial and social security. Given Ethiopia has the largest number of equids in Africa, the objective of this study is to research the deficits in working animal welfare, and access to veterinary and technology services in Borena zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A branching survey was designed for working animal owners, veterinary staff, and government officials involved in animal welfare policies representing three woredas (districts); Yabello, Teltale, and Elewaye. The results revealed 430 participants owned 1655 working animals (671 donkeys, 87 pack-camels, and 897 oxen), which are used to support a mean of six people (range 1-16). Of the participants, 90% stated their working animals are important to them, with 77% depending on these animals to earn more than 50% of their total income, yet only 29% are happy with the availability of veterinary services. The most common welfare concerns over the preceding five years are breathing problems (73%), ocular conditions (41%), parasites (40%), and sudden death (30%). Nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles were chosen by 33% of participants, and mobile phones with internet access (4%) and banking systems (28%) are still uncommon commodities. This study demonstrates the ongoing importance of working animals in the Borena zone and a need for increasing resilience by improving veterinary and technology services available for these vulnerable communities.
