Veterinarians, relief agencies move in to help animals following
Haiti earthquake And the biggest threat to both is disease
brought on by a battered infrastructure, contaminated water and
dwindling food supplies. At the close of last week, animal-
health volunteers waited for clearance from the Haitian
government to enter the country. However, after much discussion
with ARCH officials, Haitian leaders reportedly recognized the
threat to pets, livestock and public health. “We had not
considered including animals in the plan we’re working up now,
but after meeting the ARCH team, we can see that it would be
good to do so,” Haitian Minister of Environment Jean Marie
Claude Germain says in a prepared statement. “In addition to
preventing deforestation and protecting our water reserves, we
are also discussing the need for a vaccination program in order
to prevent the spread of diseases among animal populations."
Zoonotic disease is a major concern for public health officials,
considering the close contact people can