The Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine will host the fourth annual Donkey Welfare Symposium, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 on the university’s Ithaca, New York, campus.

The symposium is part of a global effort to recognize the continuing importance of the donkey to mankind, and to raise awareness of its unique health and nutritional needs.

Although both are equids, donkeys differ from horses in ways that affect their medical care and management. The event offers two tracks, one geared to veterinary professionals and the other to nonmedical donkey enthusiasts, but all activities are open to all attendees.

“We saw a need for educational outreach to veterinarians, veterinary students and owners,” said symposium organizer Erin Goodrich, DVM. “Donkeys have provided services to humanity throughout the world for a very long time. It’s time to raise awareness of their utility among the veterinary community and beyond