The latest edition of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Radio Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Serve Our Communities discusses the benefits of sentinel animals with three experts in the field.

By definition, a sentinel animal is used as an early warning system for hazards or disease, with a canary in a coal mine being the most famous example. Down in Charlotte County, Florida, it's chickens that are stepping up for the community in what can only be described as the ideal sentinel chicken program.

This program is a vital link between public works and public health, acting as an early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases before they reach the human population (without harming the chickens).

While chickens save the day in Charlotte County, it's the goats in Greenville, South Carolina that are promoting environmental sustainability and safety. Not to mention they've become quite a popular attraction around town and on social media as well. Goats are showing up in Greenville as a true win-win when it comes to promoting sustainability, safety, and cutting down on noise pollution and emissions.

“Goatscaping” is a hit in Greenville, where goats with tons of personality are hired to tackle overgrown areas in difficult spots that would be a safety concern for humans.

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