Sahtu District, NWT, Canada

VWB/VSF has provided travel assistance and operational support for a team of veterinarians to travel to the Sahtu Settlement Area in the NWT to deliver a range of veterinary services aimed at improving animal welfare. Rabies, distemper and parvo virus outbreaks happen far too often in animal populations in many northern districts like Sahtu, and the threat of disease transmission at the domestic animal/wildlife/human interface is a serious concern. Additionally, stray and loose dog populations can increase the risk of dog attacks – which is especially dangerous since rabies vaccination is not routine. Working alongside the Sahtu communities, local partners, and various wildlife specialists, VWB/VSF is beginning to develop sustainable animal health programs that address these specific concerns.