As the relief efforts continue, we've got up-to-date information from ARCH
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A coalition of animal protection groups 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 includes both the AVMA and American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) as partners.
The ARCH Coalition is jointly led by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and was formed specifically to deal with the Haiti crisis.
The ARCH team is working with officials from the Haitian government as well as international agencies, such as the United Nations, to define the most pressing animal-related problems as well as identify long-term planning options.
ARCH teams are on the ground in Haiti and providing direct relief to animals affected by the earthquake. The teams are prepared to provide everything from direct rescue and veterinary care for injured animals, to longer-term vaccinations or other efforts to prevent outbreaks of zoonotic diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. The initial assessment and emergency relief efforts are in place. The teams found limited need for emergency animal relief work; however, there is considerable work ahead in the medium and long term, primarily focused on vaccination and veterinary infrastructure efforts.
To date ARCH has 20 people on the ground in Haiti, The ARCH teams have treated more than 1,600 animals, mostly dogs. Other animals treated include cats, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle.
There has been no call for veterinary volunteers to help with the Haitian relief effort, nor for specific veterinary medical supplies, 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, please follow the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) on Twitter at @AVMAVMAT.
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