Latest Update - Friends Lost

The disease that struck the Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal, at Kopan in June 2010 has killed 10 goats. Another 14 goats, along with Nyima and Dawa the two sheep, have survived and it is hoped that the worst has passed. Although widespread in parts of Africa and now occurring in the Indian subcontinent, the Peste des Petits Ruminants disease (or PPR as it is commonly referred to) is not common in the Kathmandu Valley. The goat that Rinpoche rescued and that is presumed to have been carrying this severe and highly infectious disease probably caught it from animals brought to Kathmandu for slaughter from the Terrai (the lower plains bordering India).

Among those who died are Dzambala, an older resident who liked to greet visitors and loved the sunshine, and Sangmo, one of the first girls to be liberated to the sanctuary. Sangmo was rescued in September 2008. Her young baby also died.

The PPR virus (Peste des Petits Ruminants) is related to the rinderpest virus (as well as the canine distemper virus and human measles). There is no cure and the only treatment is the use of drugs to combat secondary complications. It is not uncommon for up to 90% of a flock to die, so we are fortunate that most of the goats did not get infected. Fortunately these animals have all been circumambulated around holy objects, have been blessed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and others and have heard the Dharma and therefore will have a much greater opportunity for a fortunate rebirth than most animals.

We would very much like to thank Pemba, the shelter farmhand, Pema the manager, Geshe Tongme, who has been giving Dharma daily to the animals, the vets, Ani Fran and many others at Kopan have been working around the clock to take care of the sick, prevent the spread of the disease and to support the dying. Thank you to all of you around the world who have been reciting mantras, prayers and making dedications. A special thank you to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup, and also to the prisoners of Long Bay prison in Australia who did Medicine Buddha practice for the animals, the first time they have ever done this practice.

Thank you to all those who offered prayers and dedications.