A coalition of animal welfare organizations from around the world continues to respond to the needs of pets and livestock affected by the floods that left nearly 80 percent of Tabasco, Mexico, underwater.
Teams of veterinarians, animal handlers, emergency medical technicians and bilingual guides are traveling through urban and rural areas to offer vaccinations, de-wormings and food to cats, dogs, cows and other animals.
The teams represent animal welfare organizations including Best Friends Animal Society, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International and local relief groups Gente por las Defensa Animal, Universidad Juarez Autonomia and Asociacion Protectora de Animales de Tabasco. Veterinarians and veterinary students from the United States and Mexico are also lending support.
“We are providing well-needed food and medical attention to animals in both urban and rural areas,” said Jessica Higgins, HIS program manager for Latin America and the Caribbean. “This is possible due to the help of local residents who are already cleaning up and rebuilding, even restocking the shelves of stores that have barely dried out. Recovery is well on its way.”
Teams have canvassed the state capital, Villahermosa, which has the greatest concentration of companion animals — 40,000 owned animals and 20,000 strays, according to information provided by the Department of Health. Teams will now move into rural areas, including the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve.