The Fondouk is closed today. The reason for this stems from the currently unstable political situation between the Moroccan government, the Fondouk, and Dr. Frappier. Doc has recently run into serious problems with the government’s Ministry of Agriculture, which does not want to recognize him as a DVM (despite the fact that he’s been practicing here for the past 14 years). The most puzzling part is that Dr. Frappier’s Canadian diploma has been translated and recognized by Morocco’s Ministry of National Education’s Department of Higher Studies as the DVM equivalent in this country. Because the Ministry of Agriculture’s "departement de l’elevage" will not sign off on his already-approved diploma, Dr. Frappier cannot even pick up a large depot of veterinary supplies that is currently waiting for him at the airport, since a DVM’s signature is required. Needless to say, the situation is getting tougher for treating animals here at the Fondouk. We’re running out of drugs and supplies–we used the last of the X ray films last week.

Political impasse closes the Fondouk.

Part of the problem lies in Dr. Frappier’s worldwide reputation as an equine veterinarian. He has worked as the Canadian Olympic Team Veterinarian since 1975. When I asked him about the situation, Doc responded that "the three private equine veterinarians and the ‘departement de l’elevage’ in Morocco are unhappy because of the number of sport and show horses that are still transported to the Fondouk, instead of the other Moroccan private practices. Clients still ship horses from places like Rabbat to be seen at the Fondouk