URGENT: Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak threatens entire herds
Uncategorized |
7 augustus 2026
| Dear friends of Heart for Mongolia, We’re reaching out with an urgent update from the Altai region, where many of you have traveled with us, or have long dreamed of going. A serious outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) had spread through western Mongolia. FMD poses no danger to humans, but for livestock it is devastating. It spread extremely quickly and has wiped out entire herds within days. To contain the outbreak, the Mongolian government has resorted to culling livestock preventively. It’s a harsh but understandable measure, and one that is hitting nomadic families extremely hard. Currently there are already over 1500 animals culled and 60.000 affected at our families and this number is growing every day. Luckily recently the outbreak has been under control. |
 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FAMILIES IN ALTAI SUM AND DELUUN For the herding families we know in Altai, including the eagle hunting families many of you have met, livestock is not just a way of life. It is: * Fuel for their gers, through dried dung, to survive the brutal cold * Food, through milk and meat * Income, their only source of cash * Wool, for insulation against extreme wintersWhen animals are lost -to disease or to preventive culling- families lose all of this at once. WHAT WE’RE DOING Tamar is currently in direct contact with local community elders in Altai to understand exactly what is needed and where the impact is greatest. Based on this, Heart for Mongolia is preparing emergency support, including:* Fodder, so that surviving animals can make it through the winter * Veterinary supplies, to support recovery and prevent further spread * Direct assistance to families who have lost their primary source of income, e.g. food, coals etc.Because we work directly with local elders and families we’ve known for years, we can ensure support reaches the people who need it most, quickly and without any overhead. 100% of your donation will go where it is needed most. HOW YOU CAN HELP If you’re able to, please consider a donation: www.heartformongolia.org Heart for Mongolia is ANBI-registered, which means your donation is tax-deductible in the Netherlands. Every contribution helps, whatever the size. Right now, with winter close and herds thinning, timing matters as much as the amount. WHY NOW Once winter sets in, options for affected families narrow fast. Getting fodder and support in place before the cold deepens makes the difference between a hard season and a devastating one.Thank you for caring about Mongolia, and for standing with the people of Altai Sum and Deluun during a genuinely difficult time. Warmly, The Heart for Mongolia team (on behalf of Tamar Valkenier) www.heartformongolia.org |
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