The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says it is closely following the early response efforts in Haiti to determine the needs of animals in the Caribbean nation. The 7.0 earthquake near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12 toppled buildings and killed thousands of people. The AVMA says that first it must determine if and how the organization and others involved in animal welfare and health can help in response and recovery efforts. The immediate focus will be to help with humanitarian rescue efforts for the first week. Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams are on standby to assist with the tragedy, the AVMA says. Once the initial human needs are met, the organization plans to address the animal issues. The International Fund for Animal Welfare also is keeping a close eye on the developments in Haiti. IFAW’s Emergency Relief team remains on high alert to help in meeting human needs such as getting food, clean water, shelter and medical attention to survivors. After those needs are met, rescue teams are expected to help the animal victims. So far, it appears that the majority of relief efforts will probably revolve around livestock, the AVMA says.One challenge in coordinating rescue efforts, according to the Humane Society of the United States, is a lack of organized animal welfare groups in Haiti. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and HSUS’s global affiliate Humane Society International are also working on a preliminary assessment of Haiti’s animal-care needs. HSUS says that one of its veterinary teams was conducting a program at a veterinary school in the neighboring Dominican Republic when the quake hit. The organization is trying to determine if the team can get into Haiti to conduct an on-the-ground assessment. <HOME> The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says it is closely following the early response efforts in Haiti to determine the needs of animals in the Caribbean nation.The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says it is closely following the early response efforts in Haiti to determine the needs of animals in the Caribbean nation.Haiti, Haiti earthquake, AVMA, animal welfare, humane society
