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AVMA partners with ARCH for Haiti earthquake relief
April 30, 2010 – A coalition of animal protection groups including the AVMA and AVMF is on the ground in Haiti, working to aid animals imperiled by the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.
The team represents the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), which is jointly led by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA.
ARCH has pledged $1.1 million toward long-term animal relief efforts in Haiti. The coalition announced the pledge on Thursday, March 4, saying it had reached an agreement with the Haitian government aimed at improving animal welfare conditions and repairing the country's damaged veterinary capacity.
The ambitious program of work outlined in the agreement includes:
- An epidemiology network to help the government protect people and animals from disease outbreaks -- A laboratory and lab workers will be provided for such efforts as targeted vaccination campaigns for Rabies, Anthrax and other diseases.
- Training of Haitian veterinarians and veterinary health workers -- The goal is to train a minimum of 200 animal health workers to address current and future animal welfare problems.
- Restoration of the "cold chain" to allow for effective vaccination campaigns -- Haiti had embarked on several ambitious vaccination programs prior to the earthquake. It is now vital to rebuild the infrastructure to keep vaccinations cold up through delivery.
- Animal population studies -- Haiti's animal demographics have changed dramatically as the result of recent disasters. Accurate, updated survey data will inform coalition work.
The coalition also announced the arrival of a fully-equipped veterinary mobile clinic in Port-au-Prince. The donated unit will support ARCH's animal rescue efforts, which already had treated more than 14,000 animals as of April 30, including dogs, cats, pigs, goats, cattle, horses and other animals.
"Our goal is to reach millions of animals in need and have a long-lasting impact for the people of Haiti," said Ian Robinson, IFAW's director of emergency relief.
The Haitian Ministry of Agriculture estimates there are 5 million head of livestock in Haiti (not including poultry), and approximately 500,000 dogs living in Port-au-Prince.
ARCH Coalition members arrived in Port-au-Prince days after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook the Haitian capital. Teams continue to treat injured and sick animals with medications including antibiotics and de-worming medicine, and also are providing Anthrax and Rabies vaccinations.
There has been no call for veterinary volunteers to help with the Haitian relief effort according to Dr. Heather Case, AVMA director of scientific activities and coordinator for emergency preparedness and response. The AVMA stands ready to organize the collection of specific veterinary supplies from U.S. donors, if necessary, Case said.
For ongoing updates, you can follow the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) on Twitter at @AVMAVMAT.
The AVMA began working with ARCH immediately after the coalition's formation in response to the Jan. 12 earthquake.
AVMA disaster response efforts are led by the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT). The VMAT teams are funded through the generous support of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Your donation to the AVMF will help the Foundation make emergency care available to all animals in times of crisis.
About ARCH Coalition
The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in partnership with over a dozen of the world's leading animal protection organizations. The coalition members have extensive experience in providing aid during disasters by caring for injured, homeless, diseased, or starving animals. Our rescue and recovery efforts are always authorized and coordinated with local government and international relief agencies which recognize that addressing animal issues is an essential part of any disaster response.
Animal welfare organizations formed the ARCH Coalition so that we could work together to bring aid to as many animals, and in as short a time, as possible. At present, ARCH partners include: International Fund for Animal Welfare, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Humane Association, Best Friends Animal Society, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (UK), In Defense of Animals, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, United Animal Nations, Kinship Circle, One Voice, Swiss Animal Protection, Palo Alto Humane Society (PAHS), Finnish Federation for Animal Welfare Associations, Petfinder.com Foundation, and Animal Medical Care Foundation (AMCF). ARCH members urge other animal welfare groups to join in the group efforts.
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