Heartworm problems linger after hurricanes
After estimating that 80 percent of pets rescued from the Gulf Coast are infected with heartworm, several groups have established the Hurricane Heartworm Treatment Program.
After estimating that 80 percent of pets rescued from the Gulf Coast are infected with heartworm, several groups have established the Hurricane Heartworm Treatment Program. The Humane Society of the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Humane Society of Greater Miami, Adopt-a-Pet, and the AAHA Helping Pets Fund are pitching in.
All dogs and cats taken from the disaster zone through the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzalez, La., and the Forrest County Multipurpose Center in Hattiesburg, Miss., are eligible for the program. It offers grants of up to $500 at AAHA-accredited veterinary practices for heartworm treatment. Animals must be certified as Katrina evacuees through shelters participating in rescue operations.
