Funding for animals following Fiji floods

18 February 2009

(Sydney, Australia) - IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) has provided urgently needed funding to help feed livestock that were affected by the recent devastating flooding in Fiji.

Whilst the flood water has receded, large areas of grazing land have been devastated leaving a legacy of food shortages and potential starvation for the countries dairy cows.

IFAW has provided an emergency grant to the local dairy farmer’s co-operative, REWA Co-Operative Dairy Company Limited.

“Thousands of cattle have been left without food, and many are suffering from skin and eye infections related to the flooding, so IFAW is helping subsistence farmers to provide medical attention and feed their livestock whilst pasture land recovers. These animals are the lifeblood for many Fijian communities,” said Jorge Basave, IFAW Programs Officer.

“REWA is very appreciative of this funding which will help the dairy farmers co-operative with the rehabilitation program following the very heavy flood period. The funding will help to feed livestock and provide the vaccinations and medicines needed to treat disease, helping to save animals lives and minimise suffering,” said Savenaca Seniloli from REWA Co-Operative Dairy Company Limited.

IFAW initially responded to the flooding by sending an emergency responder to assess the situation on the ground and to work along side local welfare groups, including the SPCA Fiji (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), to identify animals in most need of help.

Record flooding in January devastated the west coast of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes, leaving behind unknown numbers of cattle, pigs, horses and other farm animals. These are the animals that people in Fiji rely on so it is important to ensure their welfare and to help people get back on their feet now the floods have gone.

Over the past 10 years IFAW’s assistance has provided emergency aid to areas devastated by natural disasters around the globe such as the 2008 earthquake in China, hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in South East Asia in 2005. IFAW is currently working in Victoria, Australia, in response to the recent devastating bushfires. The IFAW team is working with local wildlife carers and vets, carrying out search and rescue and providing treatment to native animals and providing assistance for companion animals and farm animals where ever possible.

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Kerry Glenn, IFAW Asia Pacific Communications Officer
Tel: (+61) 2 9288 4993
Mobile: (+61) 437 414 329
Email: kglenn@ifaw.org