The 7.9 magnitude earthquake on April 25, 2015—and subsequent aftershocks—took nearly 9000 human lives, injured more than 22 000 people, and claimed the lives of more than 17 000 large animals, 41 000 small animals, and more than half a million poultry. Surviving animals experienced further health issues. After the earthquake, changes in canine behavior patterns were reported—previously friendly dogs became vicious, and the incidence of dog bites increased in many villages. An increase in female goat miscarriage was also reported, as well as loss of appetite, which caused body-weight reduction for these animals.
The devastating tremor and resulting reduction in animal production caused about 1.5 billion Nepalese rupees in economic loss. Shortly after the earthquake, the Nepal–India border blockade occurred. This cut off the transport of petroleum products, cooking gas, medicines, and other necessities into Nepal. Earthquake relief work was severely hindered and development efforts were paralyzed.
In coordination with the NVA, the VPAN initiated animal-relief programs and organized animal-health camps to provide medical and surgical treatment services to 11 721 injured animals, as well as vaccinations, sanitization and carcass management, counseling and consultation services, injured animal rescue, and shelter construction. In addition, 55 goats were distributed in 2 villages of Dolakha, a severely affected district in the epicenter of the earthquake where many farmers had lost livestock. These farmers bred the goats and sold the kids for income.
Animal-relief efforts were financially supported by the WSAVA, the Veterinary Practitioners Association of Thailand, and the Hong Kong Veterinary Association.