John Volunteers in Remote Northern Territory

By John Morgan | Dated July 15, 2022

Imagine having to schedule your pet’s health care based on the vet travelling to your community once every 3-6 months. The alternative is a 4 hour commute and organising accommodation in a major centre. Not only does it become difficult to manage serious health conditions or infectious disease outbreaks but even routine surgeries such as desexing become almost inaccessible. This is a reality facing so many Australians living in remote communities.

Ferry between Bathurst and Melville Islands.

In late June during the dry season, John was lucky enough to get a volunteer opportunity to travel to the Tiwi Islands with Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC). The team of 8 people provided the community of Wurrumiyanga with veterinary services including vaccinations, parasite treatment, desexing and basic medical care. Given the remote nature of the work and the fact it was performed in the field (see below), equipment and supplies were carefully managed by the AMRRIC team as space is limited when travel was via charter plane and a vehicle shipped over to the islands a few days earlier.

The AMRRIC vet clinic for the week.

While very different from the common breeds we see at Gordon Vet Hospital, most of the dogs in the community were friendly and willing to be handled.

The work performed by the AMRRIC team was appreciated by the community and council. While the majority of dogs and cats that the team encountered were in good health, there were some heartbreaking challenges including trauma, severe parasitic illness (intestinal worms like hookworm) and newer diseases such as ehrlichiosis.

This dog is likely to be severely affected by mange and viral papillomas (warts).

One of the dogs returning to her 9 puppies after a routine desexing procedure.

If you would like to support AMRRIC and the amazing work they do click here to donate.

John and the AMRRIC team at the end of a successful trip.